Human leukocyte differentiation antigens: monoclonal antibody computer databases as a tool for the future

The immunofluorescence results of the Third International Workshop on Human Leukocyte Antigens have been used as the basis of a microcomputer database system. As well as providing a convenient means to access data on individual antibodies and the antigens identified by the Workshop (designated as 'clusters of differentiation' or CD antigens), it can be used to help characterize and identify new monoclonal antibodies. The ability to continue adding to this database means that it should become an increasingly powerful tool for both immunologists and haematologists. The philosophy behind the methods described should also be of interest to anyone making monoclonal antibodies to differentiation antigens.