title: A public HLA antigen associated with HLA-A9, Aw32, and Bw4.
abstract: The HLA complex codes for three distinct 44000 dalton molecules associated with beta2 microglobulin--HLA-A, B and C--each with its own multiallelic series of private antigens. The HLA-B molecule is exceptional in that it also carries a diallelic system, Bw4 and Bw6. One of these, Bw4, is often associated with the A-locus specificity A9. This finding has usually been ascribed to linkage disequilibrium between A- and B-locus antigens. We have shown, however, that an epitope called LHe is actually shared by A-locus and B-locus molecules. This epitope is found on all HLA-B molecules bearing the Bw4 determinant and is also found on all HLA-A molecules carrying the A9 (Aw23 and Aw24) or Aw32 specificities. We consider this a "public" HLA antigen; the possible molecular basis for both subtypic and public antigens on a single glycoprotein is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Kostyu
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cresswell
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Amos
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; D000939:Epitopes / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000276:immunology; D015234:HLA-A Antigens / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D015235:HLA-B Antigens / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D015810:Linkage Disequilibrium; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000939:Epitopes; D006023:Glycoproteins; D015234:HLA-A Antigens; C037709:HLA-A9 antigen; D015235:HLA-B Antigens