Beta2-micro-free HLA class I heavy chain levels in sera of healthy individuals. Lack of association with beta2-micro-associated HLA class I heavy chain levels and HLA phenotype.
We have applied a double-determinant immune assay (DDIA) to measure soluble beta2-microglobulin (beta2-micro)-free HLA class I heavy chains in serum. The mean concentration of beta2-micro-free HLA class I heavy chains in serum from 120 healthy subjects was 0.21+/-0.24 microg/ml. The individual serum levels of beta2-micro-free HLA class I heavy chains had a wide distribution, did not seem to be related with HLA phenotype, were stable over time and did not change with age. The serum levels of soluble beta2-micro-free HLA class I heavy chains did not correlate with those of soluble beta2-micro-associated HLA class I heavy chains, suggesting that their release is independently regulated. Three forms of soluble beta2-micro-free HLA class I heavy chains, with apparent molecular masses of 44, 39 and 37-35 kD, respectively, circulate in human serum. These results provide a useful background to assess the serum level of soluble beta2-micro-free HLA class I heavy chains in pathological conditions and to evaluate their putative immunoregulatory function.
Puppo
F
F
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy.
Bignardi
D
D
Contini
P
P
Hamby
C V
CV
Brenci
S
S
Lanza
L
L
Ghio
M
M
Scudeletti
M
M
Indiveri
F
F
Ferrone
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002460:Cell Line; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010641:Phenotype; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis*
D006680:HLA Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin