Fab2 fragments from HLA xenoantisera specifically block cytolysis mediated by HLA-AB alloantisera.

ABSTRACT

Fab2 fragments from antisera raised in rabbits with partially purified cellular and serum HLA antigens were tested for their ability to block the cytolytic activity of operationally specific HLA-A,B alloantisera. One Fab2 fragment preparation blocked the cytolytic activity of all the HLA-A,B alloantisera tested; the remaining nine inhibited the lytic activity of alloantisera to certain HLA-A,B allospecificities, suggesting that these xenoantisera contain antibody to certain HLA-A,B allotype determinants or to closely associated structures. In contrast to previous reports in the literature none of the xenoantisera contained significant amounts of antibodies to human beta 2-microglobulin.