Cross Reactions Between Human Transplantation Antigens and Bacterial Lipopolysaccharides1

“Natural” Human Leukocyte Antigen Antibodies Found in Nonalloimmunized Healthy Males

“…Subsequently, many studies have extended the concept of cross reactivity with HLA and various other peptide fragments. As stated in the introduction, many publications now show cross reactivity of HLA with microbial antigens (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15).…”

“…This cross reactivity did not apply to other M proteins of streptococcus types 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, and 14, indicating selective antibody production. Subsequently, certain deesterified lipopolysaccharides from Escherichia coli and Salmonellas were shown to inhibit 17 different HLA specificities (5). HLA DQ molecules have been implicated in the super antigenicity of streptococcal proteins (6,7).…”

Heart transplantation with donor-specific antibodies directed toward denatured HLA-A*02:01: a case report

“…The most likely explanation for this phenomenon is that these antibodies are produced to pathogens or allergens and the reactivity with HLA coated beads is the result of cross-reactive epitopes, as described by some scientists [6,7]. However, it has also been postulated that the process of attaching the HLA molecules to the beads causes denaturation of the molecules.…”

Sequential studies in ankylosing spondylitis. Association of Klebsiella pneumoniae with active disease.

“…The HLA molecule is a glycoprotein and therefore it is not inconceivable that there may be structural and antigenic similarities between HLA and bacterial cell products. Cross reactions between Gram-negative bacterial cell components and HLA antigens have been reported (Hirata et al, 1973). Such a cross reactivity may result in an inadequate or delayed immune response by a B27-positive individual against infecting micro-organisms which carry similar antigens, because these organisms would be to some extent recognised as self.…”