Detection of HLA antigens in human epikeratophakia lenticules.

We compared the distribution of HLA-ABC (Class I) and HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP (Class II) antigens in fresh, non-lyophilized human cornea with that of rehydrated lyophilized epikeratoplasty lenticules. Class I antigens were detected at similar levels in both the control corneas and the epikeratophakia lenticules. Class II antigens, which were limited to cells at the limbus of control corneas, were absent from the epikeratophakia lenticules. Although epikeratophakia lenticules are not necessarily immunogenic, these results clearly demonstrate that they are antigenic and express selected major histocompatibility antigens. In the context of these findings, we discuss the lack of reports of immunologic rejection following epikeratoplasty.