Cultured human epidermal cells do not synthesize HLA-DR

J Invest Dermatol. 1982 Jan;78(1):32-7. doi: 10.1111/1523-1747.ep12497875.

Abstract

All nucleated cells express HLA-A, B, and C antigens. However, only a few cells, including epidermal cells, demonstrate HLA-DR antigens which are potent transplantation immunogens in man. The current study was undertaken to determine if epidermal cell continue to synthesize and/or express HLA-DR antigens after prolonged in vitro culture. Epidermal cells cultured for 7 days or more no longer stimulated allogeneic lymphocytes in the epidermal cell-lymphocyte reaction. Indirect immunofluorescence light microscopy of cultured cells using mouse monoclonal antibody to HLA-DR antigen confirmed that these cells do not express HLA-DR antigens whereas they retain beta 2-microglobulin. Detergent extracts of 12-day cultured epidermal cells biosynthetically labeled with 35 S-methionine were immunoprecipitated with monoclonal anti-DR antibody and analyzed by the method of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. No radiolabeled proteins were found on these gels in the regions where HLA-DR molecules are known to migrate. These data indicate that HLA-DR antigen is absent from cultured epidermal cells. Finally, we describe a technique for growing epidermal cells on a gelatin membrane which allows subsequent removal of intact cell monolayers from the culture dish. Such monolayers may be useful for purposes of transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • HLA-DR Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Langerhans Cells / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Receptors, Fc / analysis
  • Skin / immunology*
  • Skin / ultrastructure

Substances

  • HLA-DR Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Receptors, Fc