The distribution of HLA on human lymphoid, bone marrow and peripheral blood cells

The cellular distribution and the differential expression of HLA on cell suspensions and tissue sections has been investigated using the monoclonal antibody W6–32, which reacts with the high molecular weight chain of the major histocompatibility antigen. Lymphocytes and platelets, as assessed by autoradiographic and immunoperoxidase labeling, were the most densely labeled cells. Myeloid precursors showed more labeling than mature neutrophils. Electron microscopic immunoperoxidase labeling showed a continuous distribution of HLA antigen on lymphoid and myeloid cell membranes. Erythroid precursors (including reticulocytes), although very weakly labeled, were clearly positive, in comparison with mature erythrocytes. In the thymus, HLA‐negative, thymocyte antigen‐positive cells (85%) can be distinguished from HLA‐positive, thymocyte antigen‐negative cells (15%). By using immunofluorescence techniques on tissue sections, the former cells were shown to be cortical thymocytes and the latter medullary cells.