Serologically detectable polymorphism of the HLA-DC alpha-subunit

Two 8th Workshop alloantisera, 8W1062 and 8W614, which were classified respectively as anti-DR5 and anti-DR3, were found to react with an Ia preparation from LG38 cells (DR5,5) that was depleted of DR and BR molecules and enriched in DC molecules by pretreatment with a monoclonal antibody and an antiserum against alpha-subunits of DR and BR molecules. The reaction of both alloantisera was inhibited by DR3-positive, DR5-positive, and DRW13-positive individuals. This pattern does not correspond to any of the hitherto reported supertypic specificities. Both antisera were shown to bind to the alpha-subunit isolated from the DC-enriched preparation but not to the beta-subunit. The specificity has been named DC alpha 3. Family studies show the segregation according to the HLA haplotype patterns. This demonstrates by formal genetics criteria the HLA linkage of the locus controlling the DC alpha-subunit.