Distribution of HLA class 1 antigens in normal human tissue and in mammary cancer

Expression of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens as a strategy for the potentiation of immune recognition of tumor cells

Like many primary tumors, human adenovirus type 12 (Ad12)-transformed mouse cells express greatly reduced levels of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigens and are highly tumorigenic in immunocompetent hosts. Expression of a transfected class I gene by these cells can abrogate their tumorigenicity. Both the K and the L class I genes can suppress the malignant phenotype. Previous studies showed that interferon can induce class I gene expression in certain Ad12-transformed cells and can suppress their tumorigenic phenotype. We now demonstrate that preimmunization of mice with a nontumorigenic dose of interferon-treated Ad12-transformed tumor cells can afford protection against a subsequent challenge by a tumorigenic dose of untreated Ad12-transformed tumor cells. Similar immunity can also be induced by using cells transfected with the K gene, and the observed protection appears specific to Ad12-transformed cells. Significant protection can be achieved even if immunization is provided subsequent to the tumor challenge. Since increasing numbers of human tumors have been found to have reduced levels of MHC class I antigens, the prospect of therapy by immunization with the parental tumor cells that have been manipulated to induce class I gene expression offers an attractive experimental model.

Immunohistochemical study of HLA class 1 antigens on the hepatocytes of patients with chronic hepatitis B

In order to evaluate the role of histocompatibility antigen (HLA) class 1 antigens in the pathogenesis of liver cell necrosis, HLA class 1 antigens on hepatocytes were studied in the liver biopsy materials from 20 patients with chronic hepatitis B by the peroxidase-labeled antibody method using a monoclonal antibody to human HLA-A, B, C (Cappel Laboratories). Both increased expression of HLA class 1 antigens on the hepatocytes and decreased distribution of intrahepatic hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) were observed in patients with an exacerbation of the inflammatory activity. These findings suggest that expression of HLA class 1 antigens on the hepatocytes may be increased when an exacerbation of inflammatory activity develops, and may be compatible with the concept that expression of these antigens plays and important role for the lysis of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected liver cells by cytotoxic T cells. Furthermore, in seven patients, expression of HLA class 1 antigens was studied in the liver before and after treatment with human lymphoblast interferon (IFN)-alpha, recombinant IFN-alpha or IFN-beta. Increased expression of HLA class 1 antigens was observed in patients with decreased intrahepatic HBcAg and DNA-P in sera after IFN treatment. These results also suggest that the increase of HLA class 1 antigens by IFN may be related to the immune mechanism for the effective elimination of HBV.

Normal epithelial antigens recognized by GB3 and GB5 are diminished in intraductal and lost in infiltrating human breast carcinomas

GB3 and GB5 are mouse monoclonal antibodies raised against human amnion. GB3 detects the epidermal basement membrane, and GB5 reacts with the junctional substances between the epithelial cells. These two antibodies were studied on breast tissues by indirect immunofluorescence. All (n = 8) of the normal mammary glandular basement membranes and epithelia reacted strongly with GB3 and GB5. In the intraductal carcinomas (n = 10), although nine out of ten tissues were reactive, their reactivities were greatly reduced. More strikingly, in the infiltrating carcinomas (n = 15), none of the tumor specimens were recognized by GB3 and only one out of fifteen biopsies was moderately reactive with GB5, indicating that the syntheses of the antigens of GB3 and GB5 were discontinued in the metastatic breast adenocarcinomas. These data suggest that these antigens may contribute to the interaction of the epithelium with the extracellular matrix and the intercellular binding between the epithelial cells; the loss of these antigens may facilitate the wide dissemination of tumor cells.

Expression of HLA class I antigens on hepatocytes in liver disease

Recent studies have demonstrated aberrant expression and topographical heterogeneity of HLA Class I and Class II antigens in tissues of patients with certain immunologic or neoplastic diseases. Current information about the expression of HLA antigens by normal and diseased hepatocytes is controversial. We analyzed the HLA antigenic profile of 4 normal fetal livers, 5 normal adult livers, 7 cases of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, 14 cases of cirrhosis of various etiologies, 11 hepatic neoplasms, and 5 continuous cell lines derived from hepatic tumors. The specimens were tested by the indirect fluorescent antibody method with a panel of monoclonal antibodies to distinct monomorphic determinants of HLA Class I and Class II antigens and to beta 2-microglobulin. HLA Cells I antigens were not detected on normal fetal and adult hepatocytes, but were displayed on the plasma membrane of hepatocytes in the majority of all hepatic diseases tested and of the 5 hepatic tumor cell lines. There was a significant correlation between the expression of HLA Class I antigens on hepatocytes and the intensity of intralobular inflammation. Double immunofluorescent staining of livers infected with hepatitis B virus demonstrated simultaneous expression of HLA Class I antigens and HBsAg or HBcAg only in a small percentage of hepatocytes, suggesting lack of a specific association between HLA Class I and these viral antigens. HLA Class II antigens were not detected on hepatocytes from any of the liver diseases tested but were expressed by one of the 5 liver carcinoma cell lines analyzed. These findings confirm that HLA Class I antigens are not detectable within the limits of several immunohistochemical methods on normal hepatocytes and suggest that injury by a variety of factors directly or indirectly leads to induction of these antigens on the plasma membrane of hepatocytes.

Expression of HLA molecules on cells from fresh explants of human digestive tract cancer

It has been recently established that there is a correlation between the lack of MHC class I gene expression on murine tumour cells and their ability to grow and metastasize. We have studied the expression of HLA-ABC and HLA-DR products on human malignant tumours from the digestive tract using monoclonal antibodies, by indirect immunofluorescence on the cell suspensions obtained from 29 freshly explanted digestive tumours. Our results show that digestive tract cancers have an heterogeneous expression of HLA class I molecules on their surface. Whereas 50% have high levels of expression of these molecules (more than 60% positive cells), 25% have a moderate level of expression (20-60% positive cells) and 25% have weak expression (less than 20% positive cells). It has been found that there is a correlation between the level of HLA class I molecule expression and the degree of histological differentiation of a tumour. The absence of MHC class I antigens on human tumour cells, detected in this study, may play a relevant role in oncogenesis, as has been established in experimental models.

Expression of class I and class II major histocompatibility complex antigens on epithelial cells in recurrent aphthous stomatitis

The concept of an immunopathogenesis in the establishment and progression of the recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) lesion is well accepted. In this study the expression of Class I and Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens on the epithelial cells in the preulcerative, ulcerative and healing phases of RAS lesions was investigated using monoclonal antibodies in an immunohistological technique. Both Class I and Class II MHC antigens were found on the basal cells in preulcerative lesions. As the lesions progressed to the ulcerative phase, antigen expression occurred on the cell membranes throughout the entire thickness of the epithelium. With healing, the expression of both Class I and Class II MHC antigens on epithelial cells declined to a stage where there was little or no detectable antigen on the cell membranes. Although cytotoxicity of epithelial cells in RAS lesions is accepted, the role of MHC antigen expression on these cells is uncertain and remains to be ascertained. Nevertheless, the results of the present study indicate that MHC antigens are expressed by epithelial cells in RAS and their expression follows a defined sequence.

Heterogeneity of the expression of class I and II HLA antigens in human breast carcinoma

HLA class I and II antigen expression was studied in 19 cases of primary infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast. An indirect immunofluorescence technique was used on cryostat sections with monoclonal antibodies directed against HLA class I and II monomorphic determinants. Of the 19 cases studied, 17 were positive for class I antigen expression and two were negative. Class I HLA antigen expression was found to be clearly heterogeneous: in ten of these tumours more than 75% of the cells were class I positive; in two the percentage was decreased to between 50% and 75%; in five tumours it was less than 50%. With respect to class II HLA antigen expression, eight breast tumours were totally negative while two were strongly positive (50-75%) and the nine remaining cases were less than 25% positive. In addition, radioassay techniques were employed to determine the presence of oestrogen and progestagen receptors. The distribution of these receptors was not correlated with HLA class I or II antigen expression, nor could any relationship be demonstrated between the degree of histological differentiation of the tumours and their invasiveness.

Loss of HLA-A,B,C and de novo expression of HLA-D in colorectal cancer

One hundred primary colorectal carcinomas and 19 metastases were studied for the expression of HLA-A,B,C and HLA-D antigens using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against framework determinants and a sensitive immunoperoxidase technique on frozen sections. With MAb W6/32, 65 tumors were intensely stained for HLA-A,B,C; 22 showed a reduced staining intensity, in 5 carcinomas a minor or major subset of the tumor cells lacked HLA-A,B,C, and in 8 cases all tumor cells were unreactive. The loss of HLA-A,B,C was inversely correlated with the degree of differentiation. No relation was found to type, stage and site of the tumor, or to age and sex of the patients. With MAb 2.06, 58 tumors were HLA-D negative, 20 exhibited small positive foci, 19 showed a patchy staining pattern, and 3 were homogeneously HLA-D positive. There was no apparent correlation between HLA-D expression and any of the clinico-pathological features mentioned, nor was it related to the loss of HLA-A,B,C. About half of the metastases displayed the same staining pattern for HLA-A,B,C and -D as the respective primary tumors. The remainder differed from the primary carcinoma by gain or loss of HLA antigens.

Sheep lymphocyte antigens (OLA). I. Major histocompatibility complex class I molecules

Three monoclonal antibodies, SBU.I 41-17, 41-19 and 41-28, have been produced which recognize sheep Class I major histocompatibility complex antigens (OLA). All three antibodies are able to precipitate a heavy chain of 44,000 MW and a smaller beta 2-microglobulin of 12,000 MW from 125I-surface labelled lymphocytes. The antibodies have been used to localize OLA Class I antigens in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues using indirect immunoperoxidase histological staining and cytofluorograph analyses. Evidence suggests that the three antibodies are directed against monomorphic determinants but that they recognize different epitopes.

Ultrastructural immunocytochemical demonstration of HLA class I antigens in human pathological liver tissue

Major histocompatibility complex products Class I (HLA Class I) antigens are not expressed on the surface of normal human hepatocytes but become so in pathological conditions. The purpose of this study was to specify the ultrastructural topography of HLA Class I antigens expression. Nine human liver specimens, known from light microscopic investigation to display membranous positivity for HLA Class I antigens, were processed for immunoelectronmicroscopy using monoclonal anti-HLA Class I in an indirect immunoperoxidase procedure. HLA Class I antigens were detected on the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes and bile duct cells; some cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum were also positive. The membranes of normal bile canaliculi of hepatocytes and the apical border of bile duct cells were negative. In one case of presumably drug-induced cholestasis, abnormal cholestatic canaliculi displayed HLA Class I antigens. These results indicate that HLA Class I antigens are synthesized by the hepatocytes and bile duct cells and incorporated into the plasma membrane; the basolateral expression follows the pattern as in other polarized cells. The expression in cholestatic canaliculi suggests a disturbed polarity of the hepatocyte.

Expression of MHC products and leucocyte differentiation antigens in gynaecological neoplasms: an immunohistological analysis of the tumour cells and infiltrating leucocytes

Monoclonal antibodies directed against monomorphic determinants of Class I and Class II products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and against leucocyte differentiation antigens were used in an indirect immunoperoxidase technique to compare their expression in normal and malignant disease of the ovary, cervix and endometrium. MHC Class I products, strongly expressed on normal ovarian epithelium, were uniformly absent from 7/8 ovarian carcinomas of varying histology. Lack of Class I expression was also a feature of 6/10 cervical carcinomas and of 4/8 endometrial carcinomas, in comparison with their respective normal tissues. Relative to normal tissue epithelium MHC Class II products, could be either lost or gained, the pattern of expression being either uniform or heterogeneous. Leucocytes were sparse in normal ovary but more numerous in cervix and endometrium. In tumours, with few exceptions, they were abundant, though usually confined to the stroma. T cells, largely of cytotoxic/suppressor (OKT8) phenotype, tended to predominate though in some tumours, particularly cervical carcinoma, large numbers of macrophages and to a lesser extent, B cells were sometimes detected. By contrast, leucocytes of natural killer (NK) phenotype were virtually non-existent in any tumour or normal tissue. The ingress of leucocytes into gynaecological neoplasms does not appear to be a random event and may be evoked by an immune response against tumour-associated antigens. However, the relationship between in situ mononuclear cell infiltration and MHC expression on epithelial tumour cells is complex and remains to be elucidated.

The expression of HLA-antigens in the human anterior uvea

The expression of MHC Class I and Class II antigens was investigated in the human uvea using monoclonal antibodies in an indirect immunofluorescence technique. The anterior border layer of the iris, the non-pigmented and pigmented epithelium of the ciliary body, the external basement membrane of the ciliary body and the vascular endothelium in the uvea showed a positive staining for Class I antigens. The endothelium lining the bloodvessels in the uvea expressed the highest density of Class I antigens. Class II antigens were found only on single cells spread throughout the entire uvea. These cells did not seem to relate to any anatomical entity. No staining for Class II antigens was detected in the uveal blood vessel endothelium. The expression of HLA-antigens in the uvea may provide insight in the pathogenesis of certain HLA associated uveitis entities.

Antigen expression by trophoblast populations in the human placenta and their possible immunobiological relevance

Antigen expression by villous and extravillous human trophoblast populations at discrete anatomical sites has been reviewed. The various different antigenic phenotypes have been highlighted using a panel of monoclonal antibodies reactive with characteristic trophoblast membrane antigens, a trophoblast-leucocyte common antigen, class I MHC antigens, epithelial cell cytokeratin and epithelial membrane markers. This approach has allowed three separate fetal trophoblast populations to be identified within term amniochorionic membranes, and also has facilitated further definition of trophoblast populations in maternal uterine tissues. Furthermore, antigenic alterations have been noted in the maternal uterine gland epithelium in pregnancy leading to the expression of a trophoblastic phenotype, thereby suggesting a mechanism of extrinsic regulation of gene expression in these tissues. The possible involvement in the immunoregulatory control of maternal responses in pregnancy of MHC-linked gene products expressed by trophoblast has been discussed.

Infiltrating mononuclear cells in human breast carcinoma: predominance of T4+ monocytic cells in the tumor stroma

Frozen sections of 52 breast carcinomas were examined for the presence and nature of a leukocytic infiltrate. The number of "common leukocyte (T200-) antigen"-bearing cells was remarkably high in the stromal compartment of the carcinomas, whereas the tumor foci themselves were usually infiltrated only sparsely. Approximately 80% of these T200+ stromal cells carried the myelomonocyte lineage-associated antigens M-M522 and 63D3 and exhibited "non-specific esterase" activity. More than 2/3 of the stromal monocytic cells expressed the T4 antigen as verified by monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against different T4-associated epitopes. A T-cell analysis showed that T4+ cells clearly outweighed the total number of T cells as defined by anti-T3 and anti-TII antibodies. In addition, a correlation became apparent between the HLA-DR phenotype and the T lymphocyte content of tumor cell areas in the sense that densely infiltrated tumor areas were invariably HLA-DR+.

Heterogeneous expression of cell-surface antigens in normal epithelia and their tumours, revealed by monoclonal antibodies

Most monoclonal antibodies that have been raised to human epithelial tumours bind to only some of the cells in a tumour, showing that tumour cells are very heterogeneous in their expression of antigens. Normal epithelia show the same heterogeneity of antigen expression, as also do cell lines and clones of epithelial cells in culture. It is not related to the mitotic cell cycle. Many, probably most of the antigenic determinants to which the antibodies bind are carbohydrate structures. It is not clear whether variations in antigen expression reflect variations in the differentiated state of the cells or merely variations in the carbohydrate structures on otherwise identical cells, nor is ir clear whether antibodies could be made that bind to all tumour cells by avoiding antibodies to carbohydrate structures. The normal and apparently reversible nature of this heterogeneity of antigen expression conflicts with conventional views that heterogeneity among cells of a tumour is due to permanent genetic change. The heterogeneity within normal clones suggests that cloning is not an adequate way to study heterogeneity in tumour cells. The implications of heterogeneous expression of antigens within tumours for therapeutic and diagnostic application of antibodies are discussed.

DR antigens expressed on tumor cells do not contribute to the blastogenetic response of autologous T cells

Tumor cell suspensions prepared from surgical specimens were characterized for cellular composition and reactivity with monoclonal antibodies detecting T lymphocytes, monocytes, and the monomorphic determinants of DR molecules (antigens encoded by the D region of the major histocompatibility complex in man). About half the adenocarcinoma preparations contained tumor cells which expressed DR antigens. Lymphocytes of certain patients were stimulated in vitro by the autologous tumor cells, and this was independent of the expression of DR antigens on the tumor cells. In addition, pretreatment of the stimulator tumor cells with anti-DR Mab (monoclonal antibody) had only marginal effect on their stimulatory potential. In contrast, when the same tumor cells were used as stimulators of allogeneic lymphocytes, proliferation was more often seen with DR-positive tumors and the reaction was often inhibited by the anti-DR Mab treatment. There were exceptions, however, which suggest that other DR antigens not detected by the reagents used may have been expressed on these cells. The allostimulatory capacity of the tumor cells was usually weak and did not occur with all responder lymphocytes. It is important to note that stimulation of autologous lymphocytes could occur with tumor preparations that did not elicit allogeneic response. Thus, the in vitro stimulation of autologous blood-derived T cells by suspensions of unpropagated cells separated from solid tumors reflects the sensitization state of the patients against their tumor cells.

Distribution of histocompatibility and leucocyte differentiation antigens in normal human colon and in benign and malignant colonic neoplasms

Monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) directed against the framework determinants of Class I and Class II products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and against leucocyte differentiation antigens were used in an indirect immunoperoxidase technique to study their expression in normal, benign (adenomatous polyps) and malignant disease of the colon. Class I products (detected by the McAb 2A1) were strongly expressed on all cell types in normal and benign tissues but some carcinomas exhibited a heterogenous pattern of epithelial cell staining and 4/15 were completely negative. Class II products (detected by TDR31.1) were strongly expressed on cells (mainly B lymphocytes) within the lamina propria. In carcinomas TDR31.1 staining was mainly interstitial, but in 2/15, DR + epithelial cells were also detected. In normal and benign tissues, leucocytes (reactive with 2D1) found predominantly in the lamina propria, comprised T cells mainly of the helper/inducer (OKT4) subset, DR + cells in approx. equivalent proportion and a few OKM1+ cells mostly of macrophage morphology. Occasional intraepithelial lymphocytes were of cytotoxic/suppressor (OKT8) phenotype. In malignant neoplasms, there was wide inter and intra-tumour variation in the proportion of leucocytes which were heterogeneous with respect to cell type and confined mainly to the stroma. T cells were consistently predominant, but B cells and macrophages were also present. Two neoplasms showed unequivocal evidence of a shift (relative to peripheral blood) in favour of the OKT8+ subset, but in the majority of tumours OKT4+; and OKT8+ cells were present in roughly similar proportions. Natural killer cells (monitored with Leu7, HNK1) were virtually undetectable in both normal and malignant tissues. There were no apparent correlations between the extent and type of leucocyte infiltration, tumour differentiation or expression of MHC products. Some implications for the extrapolation of in vitro data on leucocyte function to the in vivo situation are discussed.

An immunohistological study of secondary Sjögren's syndrome

The labial biopsies from 13 patients with secondary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and four disease controls were examined with a panel of monoclonal antibodies to human leucocyte antigens. Large numbers of T cells were found in most of the biopsies. In seven SS patients the T helper/inducer subset was found to be predominant. Antibody to HLA class I antigens consistently stained leucocytes, but other cell types stained more variably. Although the staining with antibody to HLA class II antigen was often weak, approximately as many cells stained with this antibody as with an antileucocyte antibody, implying that the T cells were activated. Anti-IgD revealed membrane staining of a corona of IgD-positive cells in structures resembling germinal centres. Isolated cells throughout the sections also showed strong cytoplasmic staining with anti-IgD. These results suggest a role for T-cell-dependent local antibody synthesis in the pathogenesis of the disease.

beta 2-microglobulin in non-malignant and malignant human breast: a feature of differentiation

An indirect immunofluorescent method has been used to study the distribution of the membrane protein beta 2-microglobulin in normal, benign and malignant human breast tissue. A uniform staining of epithelial cell membranes has been found in all normal and benign tissues, with only a minor variation in the intensity of reaction between samples. In contrast the carcinomas have shown a variety of reactions, with some behaving in a manner similar to the normal and benign breast tissue, others being heterogeneous with regard to intensity of staining and the remainder having a weak or a negative reaction. The immunohistochemical behaviour of the carcinomas has paralleled the degree of histological differentiation, with poorly differentiated carcinomas showing little reactivity. A comparable relationship with lymph node status has not been found. Although those carcinomas with a staining pattern akin to non-malignant tissue have a lower incidence of lymph node metastasis it has been the heterogeneous reacting group rather than the weak staining and negative tumours which has shown a higher rate of axillary lymph node metastasis. The prognostic significance of this finding is at present uncertain and can probably only be assessed from information about patient survival.

Expression of major histocompatibility antigens and leucocyte infiltration in benign and malignant human breast disease

The reactivity of murine monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) directed against the monomorphic determinants of Class I and Class II antigens of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and against antigens expressed by discrete populations of leucocytes was studied using the indirect immunoperoxidase technique on serial tissue sections of 16 benign and 17 malignant primary human breast tumours. Class I antigens (detected by the McAb 2A1) were consistently associated with stromal leucocytes, fibroblasts and vascular endothelium, but expression on epithelial cells particularly of malignant provenance, was more variable. Class II antigens (detected by TDR 31.1) were present upon a variety of cell types which also included sporadic expression on malignant and benign epithelia. The distribution of leucocytes grossly monitored with 2D1 (reactive with a common leucocyte antigen) was largely interepithelial and periductal in benign lesions. Leucocytes were generally more numerous in malignant tumours, where they were largely confined to the stroma. The majority (approximately 75%) of leucocytes were T lymphocytes (reactive with UCHT1), some of which appeared to react with TDR 31.1 and were therefore activated. Ratios of helper/inducer (OKT4+) and suppressor/cytotoxic (OKT8+) subsets generally exceeded unity in malignant neoplasms. There was no correlation between the extent and distribution of T cells and the HLA status of the epithelial cells. Leucocytes detected by the monoclonal antibody OKM1 which reacts with monocytes/macrophages, granulocytes and large granular lymphocytes were numerically few and again mainly confined to the stroma. In a limited number of tests, leucocytes detected with HNKl, reactive with a differentiation antigen expressed on some cells which mediate natural and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in vitro although detectable interepithelially in benign tumours, were virtually absent from malignant tissue. HNK1 also cross-reacted with myoepithelial cells in the ducts of benign lesions.

Characterisation of breast cancer infiltrates using monoclonal antibodies to human leucocyte antigens

Serial frozen sections from eleven patients with malignant breast tumours and five patients with benign disease were studied by indirect immunoperoxidase using a panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies to human leucocyte antigens. More infiltrating leucocytes were seen in tumour sections than those of benign conditions. A considerable proportion of the infiltrating cells were T cells, and more of these were of the suppressor/cytotoxic subset than the helper/inducer subset. The T cells were apparently not all activated as indicated by lower levels of staining with anti HLA-DR than anti-leucocyte antibody. Diffuse staining was sometimes seen with HLA-DR and T cell subset antibodies. Tumour cells did not stain or were only very weakly positive with anti HLA-A, B, C.

Distribution of major histocompatibility antigens in normal skin

The distribution of major histocompatibility antigens HLA-A,B,C (HLA), beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m), and Ia-like antigens (HLA-DR; Ia) in normal skin was studied in frozen tissue sections by a four-step immunoperoxidase method and an avidin-biotin method employing monoclonal antibodies. HLA and beta 2m were present on the basal and spinous keratinocytes of the epidermis, on the outer root sheath epithelium in the infundibulum of the hair follicle, and on the excretory sebaceous duct epithelium. Ia-positive dendritic cells were found in the epidermis and hair follicles, but they were more frequent in the infundibulum and isthmus of the hair follicle than in its inferior portion or in the epidermis. In the straight eccrine duct, HLA and beta 2m-positivity was most striking in its lower portion. In the superficial duct, there was a less intense staining using the four-step procedure, but when an avidin-biotin method was used, the difference was less apparent. In contrast, the acrosyringial epithelium was markedly Ia-positive with decreasing intensity of staining as the duct penetrated the dermis. No HLA or Ia antigens were identified in eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands were slightly beta 2m-positive. HLA and beta 2m were uniformly present in non-dilated and dilated intradermal apocrine ducts.

Organ-related differences in binding of Dolichos biflorus agglutinin to vascular endothelium

We screened cryostat sections of tissues from 10 inbred strains of mice with a panel of conjugated lectins, in a search for polymorphisms which could be used as markers in mouse chimeras. In DDK and RIII mice, but not the other strains tested, there are binding sites on the membrane of vascular endothelial cells for Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), which is specific for terminal nonreducing N-acetyl galactosamine residues. The expression of DBA binding sites on RIII and DDK endothelium is not, however, uniform: there are consistent differences between blood vessels in different organs. These observations provide evidence of an organ-related heterogeneity in vascular endothelium which is open to biochemical analysis, and which raises the possibility that endothelial cells carry a "tissue address."

The membrane antigens of human colorectal cancer cells: demonstration with monoclonal antibodies of heterogeneity within and between tumours and of anomalous expression of HLA-DR

The membrane antigens of fifteen colorectal tumours were studied using a number of monoclonal antibodies and the immunoperoxidase technique on frozen sections. With this approach we could easily demonstrate differences in the membrane structure of the cancer cells within the tumour mass of given patients and also readily demonstrate differences between tumours that were indistinguishable by histological and other standard criteria. An unexpected finding was the patchy expression of HLA-DR antigens on cancer cells, in spite of the absence of HLA-DR on normal colorectal epithelium. These findings have interesting theoretical and clinical implications.

Neutrophil granulocytic cell antigen defined by a monoclonal antibody--its distribution within normal haemic and non-haemic tissue

Monoclonal antibodies were raised against normal human bone marrow cells. One of the antibodies obtained, monoclonal antibody 3C4 (MA 3C4), the subject of this paper, was characterised by immunofluorescence studies with viable normal peripheral blood and bone marrow cells and by immunoperoxidase studies using paraffin sections. In bone marrow and peripheral blood MA 3C4 reacts selectively with cells of late neutrophilic granulopoiesis (myelocytes, metamyelocytes, and neutrophilic granulocytes). Cells of erythropoiesis, thrombopoiesis and lymphopoiesis are negative. In lymph node and spleen only neutrophils react with MA 3C4. In non-haemic tissue reactivity was seen with epithelial cells of a variety of different gland ducts. Thus the antigen detected by MA 3C4 can serve as a marker for neutrophil differentiation in normal haemopoiesis and as a marker for ductal epithelial cells of a variety of organs within non-haemic tissue. The antigen is formalin-resistant and can be detected in paraffin sections. The antibody thus appears to be a valuable reagent for both haematological research and for routine pathology.

Immunohistochemical analysis of HLA (A, B, C) antigens in liver disease using a monoclonal antibody

The distribution of HLA class I antigens was studied in 42 liver biopsies and eight necropsies by an immunoperoxidase technique employing a monoclonal antibody which reacts with the heavy chains of class I (A, B, C) HLA antigens. In normal liver HLA class I antigens could not be detected on hepatocyte cell membranes or cytoplasm; these antigens were present on the cell membrane of bile duct epithelium, on sinusoidal lining cells, fibroblasts, and blood vessel endothelium. However, in all patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis, most cases of primary biliary cirrhosis and some cases of chronic active hepatitis HLA class I antigens were detectable focally or diffusely on the cell membrane of hepatocytes; in two cases of acute viral hepatitis (non-A, non-B) HLA class I antigens were present in granular form in the cytoplasm of all hepatocytes. These findings may be relevant to the prolonged survival of liver allografts in man and other species and in the pathogenesis of some liver diseases.