Model for detection of membrane-associated antigens on epithelial cells (HLA-A, -B, -C alloantigens and pemphigus antigens).

Incubation of skin explant culture with HLA-A, -B and -C alloantibodies results in detachment of cells at the periphery of the outgrowth. This detachment can be observed within 1 1/2 h, using the reflection contrast microscope. During the detachment of the epithelial cell, characteristic changes occur, such as disorganization of the filopodia and lifting up of the cell borders from the surface of the Petri dish. The same changes were seen using antibodies against pemphigus antigens.