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The levels of HLA-A and -B antigens expressed by placenta have been assessed relative to parental and other A and B antigen types that were not shared by the foetus. A purified preparation of placenta plasma membrane was used to estimate the antigen activities. The results indicate that maternally and paternally inherited A and B antigen activities and beta2-microglobulin are expressed to similar extents but at much lower levels than in spleen lymphocytes (less than 5%). The possibility that the amounts detected were caused by contamination with blood or maternal tissue was ruled out. The low levels of A and B antigens may account for the lack of a cellular immune response to the other polymorphic cell surface antigens of the trophoblast. No evidence was obtained for the expression of a significant level of Ia antigens.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Transplantation

Publication Date

12/1976

Volume

22

Pages

595 - 603

Keywords

Cell Membrane, Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel, Female, HLA Antigens, Histocompatibility Antigens, Humans, Placenta, Pregnancy, Trophoblasts, beta 2-Microglobulin