An analysis of class I antigens of man and other species by one-dimensional IEF and immunoblotting.

A procedure for the molecular identification of MHC class I products based on 1-D IEF and subsequent immunoblotting is described. Optimal conditions for 1-D IEF, the electrophoretic transfer of proteins out of denaturing, nonionic detergent-containing gels to nitrocellulose, and the requisite antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, for the visualization of class I heavy chains have been established. Cross-reactivity of antibodies has enabled the biochemical analysis of class I heavy chains in the dog. The procedure reported here requires modest amounts of cells and allows a rapid molecular characterization of class I heavy chain polymorphisms in man and other species without the need for radiochemical methods.