Question

In a complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay, lymphocytes were incubated in the presence of antibody of known HLA specificity. Complement was added, and the cells were visualized as having taken up trypan blue. What is the interpretation of this assay?

Answer 1

Option A, The lymphocytes express antigens specific for the antibodies in the assay

Step-by-step explanation:

The options for the question are

a) The lymphocytes express antigens specific for the antibodies in the assay

b) The lymphocytes do not have antigens specific for the antibodies in the assay

c) This is not a valid method for identifying HLA agents.

Solution -

The aim of conducting this assay is to use the ability of the microlymphocytotoxicity assay (CdL) to detect the antibodies specific to the antigens based on the complement dependent assay.

The B and T lymphocytes are tested at both warm and cold temperatures and then the result obtained is compared with other non –complement based test results. HLA-ABC alloantibodies are weak in reactivity and specific to B cell hence they can be identified only through the CdL assay.

Hence, option A is correct