Abstract: A method for genetic typing includes the steps of amplifying a genetic sequence of a subject to obtain amplified DNA, which genetic sequence occurs naturally in two or more genetic types, bringing a sample of the amplified DNA into contact with an oligonucleotide probe bound to a support under stringent hybridizing conditions, which oligonucleotide probe hybridizes specifically with DNA having a sequence of one of the genetic types and not with DNA having a sequence of the other genetic types, removing unbound amplified DNA, for example, by washing the support, and analyzing the sample to determine if the one genetic type associated with the probe is present. Use of a solid support such as microbeads provides a more rapid method for identifying polymorphic nucleotide sequences of polymorphic genes, such an HLA sequences.

Abstract: A method for HLA typing by amplification of a sample followed by sequence-specific oligonucleotide hybridization with a labelled oligonucleotide probe provides for both positive and negative controls. Control sequences representing known allelic polymorphisms at the locus in question are subjected to the labelled probe along with the sample. This method reduces errors and improves the chance of obtaining a successful tissue match, as is vital in the case of tissue transplants, particularly bone marrow transplants. Probes and PCR primers useful in HLA-DR typing are also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting heparin-induced antibodies to complete a diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HITP) is disclosed. This method comprises the first step of attaching a glycosaminoglycan to a solid support, wherein the glycosaminoglycan is attached to the solid support only at the reducing end of the molecule (unidirectionally). Platelet factor 4 is then bound to the glycosaminoglycan forming a complex having an epitope recognizable by antibodies generated in an HITP immune response. Human blood plasma or serum from a patient suspected of having HITP is exposed to the complex and the complex is analyzed to determine if HITP-related antibodies are present. A device and kit used in performing the diagnostic assay are also disclosed.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules and peptides encoded by these molecules can be used in the analysis of alloantigen phenotypes, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, relating to human platelet Pen polymorphism. By analyzing genomic DNA or amplified genomic DNA, or amplified cDNA derived from platelet mRNA, it is possible to type glycoprotein GPIIIa with regard to the Pen polymorphism, for example, in the context of diagnosing and treating clinical syndromes associated with GPIIIa-related immune responses.

Abstract: A glycoprotein, PECAM-1, and variants thereof can be obtained by expression in a transformed host cell of a polynucleotide coding for the glycoprotein or a variant polypeptide. PECAM-1 can also be isolated from cellular sources. An antibody specific for PECAM-1 or a PECAM variant can be produced via recombinant techniques, or can be obtained from a hybridoma.

Abstract: An approach to monitoring immune responses relies on determining the range of sizes of amplified DNAs which code for the CDR3 regions of Ig or TcR molecules of one or more classes or families. Typically the relative quantity of DNAs corresponding to different CDR3 regions of the Ig or TcR molecules of a class is also determined. The progress of an immune response is followed by making these determinations at different times.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotide molecules and peptides encoded by these molecules can be used in the analysis of alloantigen phenotypes, as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, relating to human platelet Pen polymorphism. By analyzing genomic DNA or amplified genomic DNA, or amplified cDNA derived from platelet mRNA, it is possible to type glycoprotein GPIIIa with regard to the Pen polymorphism, for example, in the context of diagnosing and treating clinical syndromes associated with GPIIIa-related immune responses.

Abstract: A method for HLA typing by amplification of a sample followed by sequence-specific oligonucleotide hybridization with a labelled oligonucleotide probe provides for both positive and negative controls. Control sequences representing known allelic polymorphisms at the locus in question are subjected to the labelled probe along with the sample. This method reduces errors and improves the chance of obtaining a successful tissue match, as is vital in the case of tissue transplants, particularly bone marrow transplants. Probes and PCR primers useful in HLA-DR typing are also provided.

Abstract: Novel, substantially isolated isoforms of human platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1's, DNAs coding for transcripts that encode the novel isoforms and others, including a previously identified soluble isoform, methods of using such DNAs to make isoforms by expressing the DNA's, and promoter segments controlling transcription of human platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 genes are provided. The novel isoforms differ from the complete human platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1's in lacking one or more segments near the C-terminus encoded by exons 10-15 of the genes for the full length molecules and arise in vivo from alternative splicing of the transcript from the genes.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for typing specific HLA sequences and other genetic sequences exhibiting similar polymorphism may be detected by sequence specific amplification (SSA). In essence, the primers used to carry out the amplification are chosen to represent sequences that distinguish one allele from another. As a result, the allele is detected if amplification occurs, and is absent if no amplification occurs. This technique can eliminate the need to conduct sequence-specific probe hybridization in order to distinguish among closely similar alleles, and can, in particular, allow resolution of complementary pairs of naturally-occurring HLA alleles which have the same polymorphisms but located on different individual alleles of each pair.

Abstract: A method for HLA typing by amplification of a sample followed by sequence-specific oligonucleotide hybridization with a labelled oligonucleotide probe provides for both positive and negative controls. Control sequences representing known allelic polymorphisms at the locus in question are subjected to the labelled probe along with the sample. This method reduces errors and improves the chance of obtaining a successful tissue match, as is vital in the case of tissue transplants, particularly bone marrow transplants. Probes and PCR primers useful in HLA-DR typing are also provided.