Increased β2-microglobulin-free HLA class I heavy chain serum levels in the course of immune responses to viral antigens and to mismatched HLA antigens

Besides being present in serum in association with beta 2-mu, HLA class I heavy chains are also present in serum as beta 2-mu-free moieties. The increase in serum levels of beta 2-mu-associated HLA class I heavy chains in conditions associated with an activation of the immune system have prompted us to measure the serum levels of beta 2-mu free HLA class I heavy chains in the course of immune responses to viral antigens and to mismatched histocompatibility antigens. The serum level of beta 2-mu-free HLA class I heavy chains, like that of beta 2-mu-associated HLA class I heavy chains was significantly increased in patients affected by advanced HIV-1 infection or by chronic hepatitis C (CHC). In the latter group of patients an association was found between a reduction in the beta 2-mu free HLA class I heavy chain serum level and response to therapy with interferon alpha and ribavirin. Moreover, the beta 2-mu-free HLA class I heavy chain serum level was increased more than that of beta 2-mu-associated HLA class I heavy chains during episodes of liver ischemia following liver transplantation and in the course of acute graft rejection and of acute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). These results suggest that the serum levels of beta 2-mu-free and beta 2-mu-associated HLA class I heavy chains are independently regulated. Furthermore, beta 2-mu-free HLA class I heavy chain serum level may be a useful marker to monitor response to therapy in CHC patients and the clinical course of liver and bone marrow grafts.