The HLA--B14 cross-reactive group.

The serological analysis of 24 HLA antisera, produced by pregnancy alone, containing B14 and up to six additional specificities was carried out on a selected lymphocyte panel of 316 cells. HLA typing was performed on the antiserum donors and 21 of their husbands. The results show (i) bidirectional cross-reactivity between B8, B14.1, B14.2, B18 and Bw39: (ii) cross-reactivity between antibodies to these specificities and Bw22 (probably Bw22.1 (Cw3 associated) only): (iii) confirmation, with five antisera, of the cross-reactivity between anti-B14 and B5 (with evidence for the cross-reaction being with Bw51 and not Bw52): (iv) cross-reactivity between anti-Bw39 and B37: (v) evidence for unidirectional cross-reactivity between anti-Bw38 and B8, B14.1 and B14.2: (vi) preferential cross-reaction with the subdivisions of B14 (anti-B8 with B14.2 and anti-Bw39 with B14.1). The concept of "shared antigenic determinants" is briefly discussed in relation to these findings.