Cross‐Reactions of HLA Antibodies: VII. Rate of Sensitization and Serological Specificity

Abstract

Varying the sensitization time of the complement‐dependent antibody mediated cytotoxicity test, while carefully controlling other test conditions, has enabled us to characterize the subtle reactivities of several broadly reactive sera. In particular, we can discriminate between classes of cells, e.g., HLA‐B7 from B27; subclasses of cells, e.g., Bw51 from Bw52; and cells carrying new antigens, e.g., Ao79. This manipulation of the cytotoxicity test is discussed in view of its usefulness in separating primary from cross‐reactive specificities and in detecting new specificities.