Expression of Class I and Class II major histocompatibility complex antigens on oral mucosal epithelium

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Abstract
The expression of the Class I and Class II major histocompatibility antigens on oral mucosa was investigated using type‐specific monoclonal antibodies. Class I antigen expression varied between various sites and in uncomplicated inflammatory responses appeared to be suppressed. HLA‐DR antigen expression was only present on epithelial cells in the presence of extraneous immunocompetent cells. Oral mucosa did not express HLA‐DQ antigens. The expression of Class I and Class II antigens varied between disease states exhibiting proliferative or destructive tissue responses. The pattern of Class I and Class II antigen expression is consistent with either MHC‐restricted cellular interactions and subsequent destruction of epithelial cells or a protective role in non‐destructive conditions.