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 Pl.sup.A polymorphism. In this vein, a method for typing blood cell and platelet membrane glycoproteins entails an analysis of amplified cDNA, encoded by platelet and red blood cell mRNA.

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: 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 Bak polymorphism. By analyzing genomic DNA or amplified genomic DNA, or amplified cDNA derived from platelet mRNA, it is possible to type glycoprotein GPIIb with regard to the Bak polymorphism, for example, in the context of diagnosing and treating clinical syndromes associated with GPIIb-related immune responses.

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.

Abstract: A method for maintaining intact, non-degraded von Willebrand factor by preventing the action of calcium activated protease(s) responsible for degradation of the factor. The action of the calcium activated protease(s) may be avoided by removing the blood platelet source of the protease(s), by filtering or centrifugal separation, or by inactivating the protease with a chelating agent removing the calcium, by a protease inhibitor, or an alkylating agent.