Relationship between HLA-D and in vitro and in vivo responsiveness to Candida allergen

In vitro reaction to Candida allergen was studied in 100 normal healthy Japanese and related to HLA. A significant association was found between the low responder group (< 7,000 c.p.m.) and HLA-B15 and the high responder group (> 7,000 c.p.m.) and HLA-B7, as well as Dwl. Four HLA-D homozygote cells of types HLA-Dwl and DHO, were tested; these fitted in the high responder group. HLA-DYT and DEn fitted into the low responder group. Responsiveness to Candida allergen corresponded to skin test (r = 0.884, P < 0.01). From these results, in vitro lymphocyte reaction to Candida allergen and skin tests showed close correlation and an association with HLA antigens, HLA-D in particular.