Characterization and localization of HLA antigens on hydatidiform mole

Frozen sections of three specimens of hydatidiform mole were stained with monoclonal antibodies to HLA Class I and Class II antigens by means of an indirect immunoperoxidase technique. Class I (HLA A, B, C) antigens were detected on proliferating extravillous trophoblast and on villous stromal cells but not on quiescent villous trophoblast. Trophoblast Class I antigen was detected with four different antibodies to monomorphic determinants but not with antibodies to the appropriate polymorphic HLA A or B type. Stromal cells were reactive with all Class I antibodies. Class II (HLA DR) antigens were not detected on any molar tissue. The expression of HLA antigens by molar tissue is similar to that of the normal first-trimester human placenta.