[Monoclonal antibodies against determinants on human MHC class II antigens]

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies against different non-polymorphic determinants of HLA class II antigens are described. The epitopes are present on HLA-DR and HLA-DQ gene products as detected by monoclonal antibody BL-Ia/l, and at HLA-DR and HLA-DP gene products which are recognized by monoclonal antibody BL-Ia/4. Another epitope recognized by the monoclonal antibody BL-Ia/DQ is only found on DQ molecules. The monoclonal antibodies BL-Ia/1, BL-Ia/4, and BL-Ia/5 are directed against the beta-subunit of 29 kDa/35 kDa class II heterodimer molecules. The recognized epitopes are shown to be not dependent on the association of the alpha- and beta-chains.