Identification of a new HLA-A*02 allele, HLA-A*02:305 N, which differs from the HLA-A*02:01:01 allele by a single nucleotide deletion in exon 4.

The HLA-A*02:305N new allele lacks a nucleotide in exon 4 compared to HLA-A*02:01:01 allele.

Two new HLA-C alleles identified in one volunteer bone marrow donor: C*15:44 and C*07:137:02.

Two new HLA-C alleles were identified in a volunteer bone marrow donor by sequence-based typing.

A skin homing molecule defines the langerhans cell progenitor in human peripheral blood.

We have recently described a system for the generation of dendritic cells (DC) and Langerhans cells (LC) from defined CD34+ precursors purified from peripheral blood of healthy adult volunteers. This study has now been extended by the characterization of two distinct subpopulations of CD34+ cells in normal human peripheral blood as defined by the expression of the skin homing receptor cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA). CD34+/CLA+ cells from normal peripheral blood were found to be CD71LOW/CD11a+/CD11b+/CD49d+/CD45RA+ whereas CD34+/CLA- cells displayed the CD71+/CD11aLOW/CD11bLOW/CD49d(+)/ CD45RA(LOW) phenotype. To determine the differentiation pathways of these two cell populations, CD34+ cells were sorted into CLA+ and CLA- fractions, stimulated with GM-CSF and TNF-alpha in vitro, and then were cultured for 10 to 18 d. Similar to unfractionated CD34+ cells, the progeny of both cell populations contained sizable numbers (12-22%) of dendritically shaped, CD1a+/HLA-DR cells. In addition to differences in their motility, the two dendritic cell populations generated differed from each other by the expression of LC-specific structures. Only the precursors expressing the skin homing receptor were found to differentiate into LC as evidenced by the presence of Birbeck granules. In contrast, CLA precursor cells generated a CD1a+ DC population devoid of Birbeck granule-containing LC. Provided that comparable mechanisms as found in this study are also operative in vivo, we postulate that the topographic organization of the DC system is already determined, at least in part, at the progenitor level.

Human keratinocytes release the endogenous beta-galactoside-binding soluble lectin immunoglobulin E (IgE-binding protein) which binds to Langerhans cells where it modulates their binding capacity for IgE glycoforms.

A better understanding of the pathophysiological role of Langerhans cells (LC) in atopic diseases is dictated by the characterization of the structures involved in immunoglobulin (IgE)-binding on their cell surface. We previously reported that human LC express the high affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI), as well as the low affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RII/CD23). In the present study, we document the presence of a third IgE-binding structure on human LC, the IgE-binding protein (epsilon BP), an endogenous soluble beta-galactoside binding lectin. Immunohistochemical studies performed on normal human skin revealed an anti-epsilon BP reactivity in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes and in that of acinous cells of eccrine sweat glands. epsilon BP was also found on the cell surface of LC, as shown by anti-epsilon BP/anti-CD1a double labeling and flow cytometric analysis. Anti-epsilon BP binding to the surface of LC was completely abolished by preincubation with lactose and restored by addition of recombinant human epsilon BP, indicating that epsilon BP binds to LC surface by virtue of its lectin property. Immunoblot analysis of anti-epsilon BP-reactive material in keratinocytes and purified LC disclosed a protein with an apparent molecular weight of 33,000 consistent with epsilon BP. Interestingly, mRNA transcripts for epsilon BP were detected only in keratinocytes but not in purified LC isolated from normal skin. epsilon BP was found to be released in culture supernatants of keratinocytes. Incubation of LC with these supernatants resulted in epsilon BP-binding to LC surface via protein-carbohydrate interaction. Most importantly, we could show that binding of human myeloma IgE to LC was inhibited by epsilon BP. In contrast, neuraminidase-treated human myeloma IgE binds to LC only in the presence of epsilon BP. In situ binding studies revealed that keratinocytes, although containing epsilon BP intracytoplasmatically, failed to exhibit any IgE-binding properties. Collectively, our results suggest that human keratinocytes produce the beta-galactoside-binding lectin epsilon BP, which subsequently binds to the surface of LC where it is functional in modulating their binding capacity for IgE glycoforms.

Activity and phenotype of natural killer cells in peptide transporter (TAP)-deficient patients (type I bare lymphocyte syndrome).

In this paper we describe the function and phenotype of natural killer (NK) lymphocytes from HLA class I-deficient patients. These cells are, as has been previously reported, unable to lyse HLA class I- K562 cells, but are able to perform antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), although with lower efficiency as compared to NK cells from normal individuals. Transporter associated to antigen processing (TAP)- NK cells proliferate when cultured in the presence of lymphoblastoid B cells (B-LCs) and interleukin 2 and develop a spectrum of cytotoxicity similar to that of activated normal NK cells. Importantly, activation of the TAP- NK cells induces strong cytotoxicity to autologous B-LCs. Analysis of the phenotype of circulating TAP- NK lymphocytes showed them to display a normal diverse repertoire of HLA class I-specific NK receptors. These receptors were expressed at normal levels, apart from the CD94-NKG2A complex, which appeared to be overexpressed. This latter finding could reflect an adaptation to the low expression of HLA class I molecules. Finally, functional analyses indicated that the inhibitory receptors in TAP- individuals can transduce inhibitory signals. Our results suggest that in vivo, the NK cells of TAP- patients could participate in immune defense, at least through ADCC, but upon activation, may be involved in autoimmune processes.

Human epidermal Langerhans cells express the high affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (Fc epsilon RI).

It has been suggested that epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) bearing immunoglobulin E (IgE) may be involved in the genesis of atopic disease. The identity of the IgE receptor(s) on LC remained unclear, although it represents a crucial point in understanding cellular events linked to the binding of allergens to LC via IgE. In this report, we demonstrate that epidermal LC express the high affinity receptor for the Fc fragment of IgE (Fc epsilon RI) which has, so far, only been described on mast cells and basophils. Epidermal LC react with antibodies specific for the alpha subunit of the tetrameric (alpha, beta, 2 gamma) Fc epsilon RI. Specific transcripts for Fc epsilon RI alpha and Fc epsilon RI gamma were detected in LC and correspond to those of human basophils and of the human basophil cell line KU812. Furthermore, human basophils, KU812 cells, and LC express the putative beta subunit. Thus human LC express the complete structure of Fc epsilon RI. This finding opens new perspectives in the putative functional role of this structure on antigen-presenting cells.

Evidence for humoral rejection of a pancreatic islet graft and rescue with rituximab and IV immunoglobulin therapy.

We describe the decline in islet function, in relation to HLA sensitization, in an islet transplant recipient and the recovery of this function after treatment with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and IV immunoglobulins. A 51-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes received one intraportal islet infusion. Following this transplantation, she became insulin independent. A search for HLA antibodies by using an ELISA technique remained consistently negative for HLA class I and II. It was only 2 years after the islet transplantation that this search became positive against class II antigens, reaching a peak of reactivity concomitantly with the appearance of a deterioration of glucose control requiring low-dose insulin therapy. Luminex screening and single-antigen assays then revealed the presence of both nondonor-specific and donor-specific antibodies against HLA class II molecules. This immunization, already present in the pretransplant serum, had increased during the 6 months preceding the clinical deterioration. Since these data nevertheless pointed to antibody-mediated rejection of the islet allograft, treatment with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody and IV immunoglobulins was initiated. One month later, the search by ELISA for antibodies against HLA class II antigens became negative, the Luminex tests normalizing more gradually. As the result of an improvement in glucose control, the patient was again insulin-free.

Alpha IIb beta 3 integrin dissociation induced by EDTA results in morphological changes of the platelet surface-connected canalicular system with differential location of the two separate subunits.

Treatment of human platelets by EDTA (5 mM at 37 degrees C and pH 7.4 for 30 min) induces ultrastructural morphological changes of the surface-connected canalicular system (SCCS). The first consists in dilations of some portions of the channels, whereas the second is represented by collapse of parts of the canaliculi. The collapsed elements of the EDTA treated SCCS are made up of two parallel limiting membranes and a central striated zone. Some of the EDTA treated platelets form microaggregates, the cohesion of which is apparently due to the appearance of pentalaminar interplatelet structures. EDTA treatment is known to induce an irreversible loss of platelet aggregability which is due to irreversible dissociation of the membrane GPIIb-IIIa complexes. In the present study, we looked for involvement of GPIIb-IIIa in the formation of these pentalaminar structures, and were able to demonstrate that the morphological changes described are in fact directly dependent on the EDTA induced dissociation of GPIIb-IIIa complexes. Indeed, we observed that these changes (a) cannot be induced in type I Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, where GPIIb-IIIa complexes are absent, (b) do not appear when human platelets are preincubated with monoclonal anti-GPIIb-IIIa complex-dependent (CD41a) antibodies, which protect the complex from EDTA induced dissociation, (c) appear only at alkaline pH and at 37 degrees C, which corresponds to the range of pH and temperature where EDTA can dissociate GPIIb-IIIa complexes, (d) are accompanied by the disappearance in fluorescence flow cytometry of the heterodimer complex-dependent epitopes, when using anti-CD41a antibodies and (e) do not appear in rat platelets, where GPIIb-IIIa does not dissociate after EDTA treatment. Furthermore, using gold-labeled mAbs concomitantly with the addition of EDTA, we observed that almost only GPIIb was present in the collapsed regions of the canaliculi. Using double labeling studies with polyclonal anti-GPIIb antibodies coupled to 10 nm gold particles and polyclonal anti-GPIIIa antibodies coupled to 20 nm gold particles, we observed that while both 10 and 20 nm particles were present in the dilated portions of the canaliculi almost only the small particles, coupled to the anti-GPIIb antibodies, labeled the collapsed portions of the SCCS. On Lowicryl thin sections, polyclonal antibodies against GPIIb labeled the central striated zone while both GPIIb and GPIIIa were found in the dilated portions of the SCCS. All these observations lead us to suggest that homopolymers of GPIIb could be responsible for "zipping" of the SCCS.

Homozygous human TAP peptide transporter mutation in HLA class I deficiency.

Human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) class I proteins of the major histocompatibility complex are largely dependent for expression on small peptides supplied to them by transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) protein. An inherited human deficiency in the TAP transporter was identified in two siblings suffering from recurrent respiratory bacterial infections. The expression on the cell surface of class I proteins was very low, whereas that of CD1a was normal, and the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells was affected. In addition, CD8+ alpha beta T cells were present in low but significant numbers and were cytotoxic in the most severely affected sibling, who also showed an increase in CD4+CD8+ T cells and gamma delta T cells.

HLA class I deficiencies due to mutations in subunit 1 of the peptide transporter TAP1.

The transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP), which is composed of two subunits (TAP1 and TAP2) that have different biochemical and functional properties, plays a key role in peptide loading and the cell surface expression of HLA class I molecules. Three cases of HLA class I deficiency have previously been shown to result from the absence of a functional TAP2 subunit. In the present study, we analyzed two cases displaying not only the typical lung syndrome of HLA class I deficiency but also skin lesions, and found these patients to be TAP1-deficient. This defect leads to unstable HLA class I molecules and their retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. However, the absence of TAP1 is compatible with life and does not seem to result in higher susceptibility to viral infections than TAP2 deficiency. This work also reveals that vasculitis is often observed in HLA class I-deficient patients.

Targeting of Shiga toxin B-subunit to retrograde transport route in association with detergent-resistant membranes.

In HeLa cells, Shiga toxin B-subunit is transported from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum, via early endosomes and the Golgi apparatus, circumventing the late endocytic pathway. We describe here that in cells derived from human monocytes, i.e., macrophages and dendritic cells, the B-subunit was internalized in a receptor-dependent manner, but retrograde transport to the biosynthetic/secretory pathway did not occur and part of the internalized protein was degraded in lysosomes. These differences correlated with the observation that the B-subunit associated with Triton X-100-resistant membranes in HeLa cells, but not in monocyte-derived cells, suggesting that retrograde targeting to the biosynthetic/secretory pathway required association with specialized microdomains of biological membranes. In agreement with this hypothesis we found that in HeLa cells, the B-subunit resisted extraction by Triton X-100 until its arrival in the target compartments of the retrograde pathway, i.e., the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, destabilization of Triton X-100-resistant membranes by cholesterol extraction potently inhibited B-subunit transport from early endosomes to the trans-Golgi network, whereas under the same conditions, recycling of transferrin was not affected. Our data thus provide first evidence for a role of lipid asymmetry in membrane sorting at the interface between early endosomes and the trans-Golgi network.

Clinical and immunological aspects of HLA class I deficiency.

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I deficiency is a rare disease with remarkable clinical and biological heterogeneity. The spectrum of possible manifestations extends from the complete absence of symptoms to life-threatening disease conditions. It is usually diagnosed when HLA class I serological typing is unsuccessful; flow cytometric studies then reveal a severe reduction in the cell surface expression of HLA class I molecules (90-99% reduction compared to normal cells). In most cases to date, this low expression is due to a homozygous inactivating mutation in one of the two subunits of the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP), critically involved in the peptide loading of HLA class I molecules. Although asymptomatic cases have been described, TAP deficiencies are usually characterized by chronic bacterial infections of the upper and lower airways, evolving to bronchiectasis, and in half of the cases, also skin ulcers with features of a chronic granulomatous inflammation. Despite the defect in HLA class-I-mediated presentation of viral antigens to cytotoxic T cells, the patients do not suffer from severe viral infections, presumably because of other efficient antiviral defence mechanisms such as antibodies, non-HLA-class-I-restricted cytotoxic effector cells and CD8+ T-cell responses to TAP-independent antigens. Treatment is at present exclusively symptomatic, and should particularly focus on the prevention of bronchiectasis, which requires early detection.

Is there any impact of HLA-DPB1 disparity in 10/10 HLA-matched unrelated hematopoietic SCT? Results of a French multicentric retrospective study.

We retrospectively analyzed the impact of HLA-DPB1 mismatches in a large cohort of 1342 French patients who underwent 10/10 HLA-matched unrelated HSCT. A significant impact of HLA-DPB1 allelic mismatches (2 vs 0) was observed in severe acute GVHD (aGVHDIII-IV) (risk ratio (RR)=1.73, confidence interval (CI) 95% 1.09-2.73, P=0.019) without impact on OS, TRM, relapse and chronic GVHD (cGVHD). According to the T-cell epitope 3 (TCE3)/TCE4 HLA-DPB1 disparity algorithm, 37.6% and 58.4% pairs had nonpermissive HLA-DPB1, respectively. TCE3 and TCE4 disparities had no statistical impact on OS, TRM, relapse, aGVHD and cGVHD. When TCE3/TCE4 disparities were analyzed in the graft-vs-host or host-vs-graft (HVG) direction, only a significant impact of TCE4 nonpermissive disparities in the HVG direction was observed on relapse (RR=1.34, CI 95% 1.00-1.80, P=0.048). In conclusion, this French retrospective study shows an adverse prognosis of HLA-DPB1 mismatches (2 vs 0) on severe aGVHD and of nonpermissive TCE4 HVG disparities on relapse after HLA-matched 10/10 unrelated HSCT.

Immunomorphological and ultrastructural characterization of Langerhans cells and a novel, inflammatory dendritic epidermal cell (IDEC) population in lesional skin of atopic eczema.

We investigated epidermal cell suspensions prepared from lesional and nonlesional atopic eczema skin, other inflammatory skin conditions, and normal human skin for high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) expression on dendritic CD1a cells by quantitative flow cytometric analysis. A single CD1a bright/CD1b neg/Fc epsilon RI dim/CD23 neg/CD32 dim/HLA-DR bright/CD36 neg population was found in normal skin. In contrast, lesional skin of atopic eczema and other inflammatory skin diseases harbored variable proportions of two distinct CD1a populations. Both populations exhibited typical ultrastructural features of Langerhans cells, but the second one lacked Birbeck granules and was unreactive to the Birbeck granule-specific LAG antibody. Both populations differed phenotypically: classical Langerhans cells were CD1a bright/CD1b neg/Fc epsilon RI dim/CD23 neg/CD32 dim/HLA-DR bright/CD36 dim, while the second population was CD1a dim/CD1b dim/Fc epsilon RI bright/CD23 dim/CD32 dim/HLA-DR bright/CD36 bright. The highest Fc epsilon RI expression was found on the second CD1a population in lesional atopic eczema skin. Furthermore, Fc epsilon RI expression on CD1a cells correlated significantly with the serum IgE level of the patients. Thus, a distinct population of CD1a inflammatory dendritic epidermal cells different from classical Langerhans cells appears in the epidermis of lesional skin and is subjected to specific signals leading to the upregulation of Fc epsilon RI in atopic eczema skin.

ATPase Langerhans cell staining: a technique allowing progression from light to electron microscope observation.

A technique which enables good visualization of the membranous ATPase activity of epidermal Langerhans cells is described. The method has the advantage of keeping intact most of the ultrastructural details. It may allow the observation, under pathologic conditions, of ultrastructural modifications in ATPase-negative Langerhans cells still recognizable by their Langerhans cell granules.

Induction of tolerance to urushiol by epicutaneous application of this hapten on dinitrofluorobenzene-treated skin.

The application of a sensitizing dose of urushiol on a dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-treated skin area significantly diminished the intensity of the urushiol challenge test in guinea pigs. Furthermore, the animals which had been first exposed to urushiol through DNFB-treated skin failed to become sensitized in a second sensitization attempt even when painted on a previously untreated area. This tolerance is hapten-specific and may be reversed by treatment with cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) shortly before another contact sensitization attempt to urushiol. In a previous work, we have shown that most of the Langerhans cells present in the DNFB-treated skin area are ATPase-negative and that there exists a link between the membranous ATPase system and the formation of Langerhans cell granules. The latter seem to develop in the course of a mechanism of adsorptive pinocytosis during which ATPase activity "disappears." Thus we suggest that the "unavailability" of ATPase-negative Langerhans cells for adequate processing a second hapten may result from the incapacity of cells lacking their ATPase system to activate the intracellular events that depend on this system and that normally lead to sensitization.

Fc receptors of human Langerhans cells.

Receptors for the Fc fragment of immunoglobulins (Fc R) exhibit specificities for a wide variety of immunoglobulin classes and subclasses. In humans, at least three distinct classes of receptors for the Fc fragments of IgG (Fc gamma RI, II, III) and two classes of receptors for the Fc fragments of IgE (Fc epsilon RI, II) have been characterized. These classes were largely defined on the basis of their affinities for different immunoglobulin subclasses and their reactivities with monoclonal anti-receptor antibodies. Among these FcR, in healthy individuals, epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) express only the Fc gamma RII/CDw32. This FcR--a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily--is only present on about 50% of freshly isolated CD1a positive cells, as determined by rosette assays. It has a Mr of 40 kDa, is trypsin resistant, binds polymeric human IgG and murine IgG1-coated erythrocytes, and reacts with anti-CDw32 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb). LC internalize Fc gamma RII by receptor-mediated endocytosis. After 48 h of culture, human LC loose their Fc gamma RII, as revealed by flow cytometry. While the function(s) of the Fc gamma RII on human LC remain(s) unknown, this receptor may be primarily involved, like the Fc gamma RII present on mouse macrophages, in the clearance of extra-cellular immune complexes. In patients with atopic dermatitis having an elevated IgE serum level, beside an increased expression of the Fc gamma RII by LC located on lesional skin, IgE-bearing epidermal and dermal LC are present, again essentially on lesional skin. Double immunolabeling on cryosections reveals that on lesional skin only about 50% of the epidermal CD1a positive cells bear IgE. This capacity of LC to bind IgE molecules appears to be due to the presence of a specific Fc epsilon R. While the class of this Fc epsilon R still remains unclear, it appears to have some particularities: i) an associated expression with the CD1a antigen, ii) an affinity for IgG, and iii) a trypsin resistance. In vitro, human recombinant interleukin (IL)-4 and/or interferon (IFN)-gamma are able to induce the synthesis and expression of Fc epsilon RII/CD23 on a percentage of normal human epidermal LC. This Fc epsilon RII seems to be functional since it binds IgE molecules, this binding being prevented by preincubation with anti-CD23 MoAb.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

A method for the rapid isolation of human epidermal Langerhans cells using immunomagnetic microspheres.

Because Langerhans and indeterminate cells are the only epidermal cells that express the specific CD1a surface antigen T6, we have used immunomagnetic monodisperse polymer microspheres for positive selection of human epidermal Langerhans and indeterminate cells. Epidermal cells in suspension are successively incubated with a murine monoclonal anti-T6 antibody of the IgG1 subclass and then with magnetic beads coated with a sheep anti-mouse IgG1. Rosetted cells are obtained and then easily separated from the non-rosetted cells using a magnet. The two cell fractions are characterized by phase contrast microscopy, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and the skin cell-lymphocyte reaction. All the rosetted cells (1.5 to 5% of the total epidermal cells) express T6 antigen by indirect immunofluorescence and under the electron microscope possess all the ultrastructural characteristics of Langerhans cells. Moreover, the rosetted Langerhans cells remain functional: Under the electron microscope they internalize by receptor-mediated endocytosis gold labeled anti-T6 antibody, and in the skin cell-lymphocyte reaction they stimulate allogeneic lymphocytes. In contrast, the rosette depleted cell fraction is deprived of T6 positive cells and unable to stimulate allogeneic lymphocytes. The immunomagnetic depletion of epidermal cells is a simple and rapid method to isolate functional human Langerhans cells with good yield and high purity (97%). This technique should be of value in the study of the pharmacology of Langerhans cells and in the investigation of the interactions of Langerhans cells with keratinocytes or lymphocytes.

ATPase and morphologic changes induced by UVB on Langerhans cells in guinea pigs.

We have devised, in guinea pigs, an improved ATPase technique which enables one to proceed from light to electron microscope study while preserving, on the ultrastructural level, the various membranous structures, in particular the Langerhans cell (LC) granules. Using this method, we have been able to confirm the action of acute, low-dose UVB on the surface enzymatic marker, ATPase. Moreover, this study has shown that the ATPase-negative LC contain abnormal LC granules or, more often, are deficient in LC granules. In a previous work, we have shown that, after epicutaneous application of a hapten, one successively observes an extensive adsorptive pinocytosis process, the disappearance of the membranous ATPase system, and the appearance of LC granules in the cytoplasm. Therefore we may suppose that, after UVB irradiation, the disappearance of the ATPase system and/or the possible alteration of the adsorptive pinocytosis process interrupts or alters the formation of LC granules. These successive events might play a vital role in the formation of the hapten--carrier protein-Ia antigen complex. In their absence in a large number of LC, following UV irradiation, epicutaneous application of a hapten would lead to the development of a state of immune tolerance.

Alpha IIB beta 3 integrin dissociation induced by EDTA results in formation of Birbeck granule-like structures in human blood platelets.

EDTA (5 mM at 37 degrees C and pH 7.4 for 30 min) induces morphologic changes in the platelet surface-connected canalicular system (SCCS), in particular the collapse of some portions of the canaliculi. These collapsed elements are made up of two parallel limiting membranes and a central irregular striated zone, a pentalaminar organization that clearly resembles that of Langerhans cell Birbeck granules (BG). Such BG-like structures are also seen between adjacent platelets in EDTA-treated platelet microaggregates. EDTA is known to induce an irreversible dissociation of the platelet membrane glycoprotein(GP)IIb-IIIa, the alpha IIb beta 3 platelet-specific intergrin, a calcium-dependent heterodimer that serves as an inducible receptor for fibrinogen and is essential for platelet aggregation. Hence, we looked for involvement of the GPIIb-IIIa in the formation of these BG-like modifications. We observed that these changes i) cannot be induced in type I Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, where the GPIIb-IIIa complexes are absent; ii) did not appear when human platelets were pre-incubated with MoAb anti-GPIIb-IIIa complex, which protected GPIIb-IIIa from EDTA-induced dissociation; iii) appeared only at alkaline pH and 37 degrees C, which corresponds to the range of pH and temperature where EDTA can dissociate the GPIIb-IIIa complexes; iv) are accompanied by the dissappearance on fluorescence flow cytometry analysis of the heterodimer specific epitopes; and v) do not appear in rat platelets at pH 7.4 where GPIIb-IIIa does not dissociate after EDTA treatment. Thus, the appearance of BG-like structures in the platelet SCCS is directly dependent on the EDTA-induced dissociation of the GPIIb-IIIa complexes. Furthermore, using gold-labeled MoAb concomitantly with the addition of EDTA, we observed that only GPIIb is present in the collapsed portions of the canaliculi. On Lowicryl thin sections essentially polyclonal antibodies to GPIIb labeled the central striated zone. All these observations lead us to suggest that homopolymers of GPIIb could be responsible for "zipping" of the SCCS and raise the question of the participation of a Langerhans cell integrin in the formation of Langerhans cell BG.