Liposome immune assay (LIA). Use of membrane antigens inserted into labeled lipid vesicles as targets in immune assays.

A new method is described for detection of membrane antigens and antibodies against such structures. By inserting partially purified rat transplantation antigen (RT-1) into iodine or fluorescein-labeled lipid vesicles, a precipitation of the liposome is demonstrated by the use of a specific alloantiserum and a heterologous anti-rat IgG serum. Precipitation of liposomes carrying WF transplantation antigens could be detected at a final dilution of the alloantiserum of 1:3000, which is comparable to that obtained in a 51Cr-release assay. Furthermore, when unpurified membrane proteins from WF splenocytes were incorporated into labeled liposomes, an amount of RT-1 corresponding to 8000 cells could be detected.