Analysis of renal cell populations using monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies have proved invaluable in identification and characterization of hemopoietic cell surface macromolecules. We have used a number of these monoclonal antibody probes for immunohistochemical analysis of interstitial cell populations in diseased human kidney tissues and in certain prototypic cutaneous cellular immune reactions. The studies demonstrate that the relative proportions of T-cell subpopulations present in graft rejection (OKT8+ exceeding OKT4+) differ from those observed in drug nephrotoxicity and end-stage kidney disease. In this regard rejection resembles graft versus host disease of skin but not delayed-type hypersensitivity. However, analysis of cell populations in interstitial infiltrates from various forms of chronic renal disease (glomerulonephritis, end-stage renal disease of varied etiologies) failed to demonstrate any unique or characteristic profile. These studies led to the recognition that certain monoclonal antibodies directed against B- and leukemic cell surface antigens also bind to normal renal cells and that nephron development in the human fetus is characterized by differential binding of these probes.