Isolation and identification of trophoblast lymphocyte cross-reactive (TLX) antigens from human lymphocytes

It has been proposed that allotypic trophoblast lymphocyte cross-reactive (TLX) antigens are involved in the maintenance of normal human reproduction. Despite such a potentially important role for TLX antigens, isolation of human TLX proteins has not yet been reported. As an initial step toward elucidation of the structure and function of TLX antigens, we have isolated TLX proteins from Lubrol-solubilized lymphocytes (termed "wTLX") by anti-trophoblast membrane-Sepharose immunoaffinity chromatography. Using Ouchterlony immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis, we have identified an immunoreactive wTLX antigen which forms a single immunoprecipitation line against absorbed anti-trophoblast membrane. From 17.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblot analyses, a 35-kDa band was determined to be a major protein band in the immunoaffinity-isolated wTLX fraction, along with multiple minor wTLX bands. These results suggest the possible existence of antigenic polymorphism of TLX, with predominant expression of the 35-kDa wTLX antigen in lymphocytes. The strong staining of the TLX antigens with Coomassie Brilliant Blue and Amido Black indicates they are largely proteins. Co-isolation of beta 2-microglobulin in the immunoaffinity-isolated wTLX pool could imply that the wTLX antigens may be unique class I HLA-like antigens. This possibility has yet to be resolved.