International cell exchange.

1. This is a review of 1992 typing of 40 cells for Class I antigens and 18 cultured cell lines for Class II antigens through the International Cell Exchange. Serological typings were compared with DNA typing reports for Class II specificities. Presently, 290 laboratories participate in the monthly Class I exchange. Class II results were received monthly from 166 serology laboratories and from 36 DNA laboratories. 2. In 1992, 11 of the 16 A-locus antigens attained 95% or greater average detection. Nine of the 27 B-locus antigens showed 95% or better mean agreement levels. Antigens such as B46 and B70 continued to show improvement in detection in a 5-year period. 3. We compared discrepancy rates of 7 A-locus and 8 B-locus antigens typed 3 times or more. The rates for the B-locus specificities, especially for percentages of false negatives (ie, how often the antigen assignment was missed), continued to be greater than those for the A-locus antigens. Nevertheless, the discrepancy rates of B35 and B70 decreased dramatically during the last 5 years. 4. We showed the number of laboratories with the total of false negatives and false positives. Nine laboratories achieved perfect records (0 false negatives and false positives) for all analyzed antigens in 1992. 5. Results of retyping of 3 donors over several years were shown to indicate improved antigen detection. 6. Recently recognized HLA-specificities, such as A2403 and B5102, were shown as cell variants studied in previous cell exchanges. Variants of B15, B16, and B40 families were presented, as well as several new A-locus antigens. 7. The low and high rates, in addition to the average detection levels, were indicated for a total of 27 (18 DR and 9 DQ) Class II specificities by serology and by DNA typings. Eight of the 15 DR/DRB1 specificities attained 90% or better average agreement by both serology and DNA. Three of the 9 DQ antigens achieved 90% or better average detection by both methods. 8. Confirmation by DNA typings was demonstrated for 8 Class II specificities with 60% or lower detection levels by serology; the average detection levels by DNA typing was 80% or greater. Confirmation of 2 splits of Class II antigens by DNA typing was shown in 3 cells. 9. The percent detection levels were calculated for 17 DRB1 alleles and 11 DQB1 alleles. Variation in agreement was observed for the Class II alleles. Two DRB1 and 3 DQB1 alleles had average detection levels of 80% or higher.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)