Expression and susceptibility to modulation by interferons of HLA class I and II antigens on melanoma cells. Immunohistochemical analysis and clinical relevance.

Immunohistochemical analysis for non-polymorphic determinants of HLA class I or class II antigens has been greatly facilitated by the use of monoclonal antibodies. Studies on the distribution of these antigens in tumour lesions emphasize their role in the tumour-host interaction and in tumour histopathology, especially as additional markers in the assessment of prognosis of melanoma patients. Changes in the expression of HLA antigens on tumour cells in vitro as induced by gamma-interferon may also occur in vivo as a result of local production by the T lymphocytic infiltrate in tumours.