Molecular characterization of three HLA class II molecules on DR4 and DRw9 haplotypes: serologic and structural relationships at the polypeptides level.

By using alloantisera, three distinct HLA-D/DR region-encoded class II molecules were identified from cells carrying the HLA-DR4 and DRw9 haplotypes. Both DRw-53 and DQw3 molecules that bear the "supertypic" specificity were isolated independently from the DR antigen. The light chains of the DR4 antigens from different HLA-D types were distinct from one another, whereas the DRw53 molecules had identical charge and molecular weight in both heavy and light chains. On the other hand, the DQw3 molecules from the DR4 cell lines (Dw4 and Dw 10) were apparently identical but were polymorphic at least in the light chains among the DR4, DR5, and DRw9 haplotypes. In addition, monoclonal antibodies which specifically precipitate DR4 and DQw3 molecules have been isolated. The variable extent of homogeneity and diversity of three class II molecules may aid in our understanding of the role of class II antigens in the human immune regulation.