Pregnancy can induce priming of cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for paternal HLA antigens that is associated with antibody formation.

Some transplant centers consider paternal HLA antigens as unacceptable mismatches for mothers awaiting kidney transplantation. It is feared that a pregnancy may cause priming of the maternal immune response directed toward paternal HLA antigens. Should a woman receive an organ from a donor who shares those paternal HLA antigens, the risk of graft rejection might be increased.

Interaction between des-Tyr1-gamma-endorphin and HLA class I molecules: serological detection of an HLA-A2 subtype.

Preincubation of lymphocytes with des-Tyr1-gamma-endorphin (DT gamma E) inhibits the reaction between some HLA alloantisera and their corresponding antigens. One HLA-A2-specific antiserum was found which could detect a subtype of the HLA-A2 antigen on DT gamma E-treated lymphocytes from some donors. Comparison with the HLA-A2 subtypes as defined by a combination of cytotoxic T lymphocyte typing and biochemistry showed a complete correlation with the previously described HLA-A2.