Flow cytometric screening for the HLA-B27 antigen on peripheral blood lymphocytes

Curr Protoc Cytom. 2005 Aug:Chapter 6:Unit6.22. doi: 10.1002/0471142956.cy0622s33.

Abstract

HLA-B27 is common to the entire group of seronegative spondyloarthropathies, and assessment of HLA-B27 is of diagnostic importance if any of these diseases are considered. Among the alternatives to traditional typing by the complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay, flow cytometric HLA-B27 screening is most widely used in general diagnostic laboratories, as it is simple, rapid, and cost effective. This unit describes screening for HLA-B27 on peripheral blood lymphocytes using more than one HLA-B27 monoclonal antibody to detect possible cross-reactivity with non-HLA-B27 antigens. Screening is hampered by the lack of true monospecific anti-HLA-B27 monoclonal antibodies. Cross-reactivities of anti-HLA-B27 with other HLA-B antigens have been reported. The authors recommend use of GS145.2 and FD705 antibodies, as this combination avoids most false-positive conclusions. Lyse-and-wash sample processing is employed. A multiparameter flow methodology is applied. Three to four parameters-forward scatter, side scatter, HLA-B27 expression, and, in some cases CD3 or B7 expression-are acquired.

MeSH terms

  • CD3 Complex / analysis
  • Cross Reactions
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Flow Cytometry
  • HLA-B27 Antigen / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Spondylarthropathies / diagnosis
  • Spondylarthropathies / immunology*

Substances

  • CD3 Complex
  • HLA-B27 Antigen