Cytofluorometric analysis of major histocompatibility antigens on human monocytes using monoclonal antibodies.

The expression of HLA-A, B, C, and DR antigens was investigated on monocyte preparations by flow cytometry using various monoclonal antibodies. Essentially all human monocytes, either freshly isolated or after culture for several days, were stained for HLA-A, B, C, and DR antigens. When monocytes were incubated with Con-A-stimulated lymphocyte supernatants, an increase in HLA-A, B, C, and DR staining was observed. No increase was noted when two other monoclonal antibodies against non-HLA-related monocyte antigens (63D3 and 61D3) were studied under the same culture conditions. These results indicate that soluble factor(s) present in Con-A-stimulated lymphocyte supernatants modulate the expression of the major histocompatibility antigens on the surface of human monocytes.