Cross-reactions in the HLA system revealed by red blood cells expressing HLA determinants, with particular reference to cross-reaction between HLA-A2 and B17.

Sera with cytotoxic and haemagglutinating activity towards HLA-A2/28 were also shown to react with red blood cells (RBC) expressing the HLA-B17 antigen determinant. Absorption procedures with white blood cells (WBC) indicated that this was due to an HLA-A2/B17 cross-reaction. Absorption experiments with some other sera which previously had shown cytotoxic and haemagglutinating activity towards different HLA specificities, revealed broad cross-reaction related to HLA-B locus antigens.