Genetic and serological heterogeneity of the supertypic HLA-B locus specificities Bw4 and Bw6

Gene cloning and sequencing of theHLA-B locus split antigens B38 (B16.1) and B39 (B16.2) allowed localization of their subtypic as well as their public specificities HLA-Bw4 or-Bw6 to the α-helical region of the α 1 domain flanked by the amino acid positions 74–83. Comparison of their amino acid sequences with those of otherHLA-B-locus alleles established HLA-Bw6 to be distinguished by Ser at residue 77 and Asn at residue 80. In contrast, HLA-Bw4 is characterized by at least seven different patterns of amino acid exchanges at positions 77 and 80–83. Reactivity patterns of Bw4-or Bw6-specific monoclonal antibodies reveal two alloantigenic epitopes contributing to the HLA-Bw4 or-Bw6 specificity residing next to the region of highest diversity of the α 1 domain.