Characterization of soluble HLA molecules in sweat and quantitative HLA differences in serum of healthy individuals.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional observational laboratory study of human serum and sweat samples
PubMed 2096183 · doi:10.1111/j.1744-313x.1990.tb00890.x
What was done
Soluble class I HLA molecules were immunoprecipitated from human serum and sweat using BB7.7 monoclonal antibody-coupled immunomagnetic beads. Biochemical properties and polymorphism were assessed via SDS-PAGE and one-dimensional isoelectric focusing (IEF). Soluble class I HLA concentrations were measured by competitive ELISA across healthy subjects stratified by HLA allotype: non-HLA-A9/non-Bw62 (n = 44), HLA-A23/A24 (splits of HLA-A9, n = 20), HLA-Bw62 (n = 10), and both HLA-A9 and -Bw62 (n = 5). Sweat HLA concentrations were determined in 10 individuals.
What was found
IEF band patterns for soluble HLA from serum and sweat within the same individuals were identical. Baseline soluble HLA in non-HLA-A9/-Bw62 sera averaged 0.82 ± 0.63 µg/ml (n = 44). Serum levels were significantly higher in individuals carrying HLA-A23 or -A24 (3.2 ± 0.94 µg/ml, P < 0.0001) and HLA-Bw62 (2.05 ± 0.65 µg/ml, P < 0.004). Possessing both HLA-A9 and HLA-Bw62 (n = 5) did not yield significantly higher levels than having either allele alone. Soluble HLA in sweat had a mean concentration of 0.42 ± 0.4 µg/ml (n = 10).
Why it matters
The study shows that intact, polymorphic soluble class I HLA molecules are naturally excreted in human sweat and establishes that circulating serum concentrations of soluble HLA are heavily dependent on specific HLA allotypes.
Limits
Sample sizes for specific subgroups were small (n = 5 to 20 per allotype group; n = 10 for sweat). Demographic details, sweat collection conditions (rate, stimulation method), and potential intra-individual temporal variation were not described in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules are chopped up and secreted in sweat and other bodily fluids.