HLA-D Region Products Are Expressed in Endothelial Cells Detection by Primed Lymphocyte Typing

Abstract

The mixed lymphocyte endothelial cell culture was studied by the primed lymphocyte typing (PLT) technique. By comparing the HLA-D/DR specificity of the secondary response when using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) or endothelial cells from umbilical cords for priming or restimulation of lymphocytes, it was found that PBM from newborns would induce a clear-cut specificity for HLA-D/DR when used for priming and for restimulation. No HLA-D/DR specificity was seen, however, when endothelial cells were used for restimulation of lymphocytes primed to HLA-D/DR on PBM. Lymphocytes primed to endothelial cells showed significant, albeit not very strong, specificity for HLA-D/DR when restimulated with PBM. HLA-D region products apparently are present on endothelial cells; serological studies using anti DR antisera were confirmed and extended.