The immune system works through leukocytes interacting with each other, with other cells, with tissue matrices, with infectious agents, and with other antigens. These interactions are mediated by cell-surface glycoproteins and glycolipids. Antibodies against these leukocyte molecules have provided powerful tools for analysis of their structure, function, and distribution. Antibodies have been u...

Repeatedly transfused thrombocytopenic patients frequently form antibodies directed against human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and become unresponsive to random donor platelet transfusions. Although exposure to foreign antigens borne on donor leukocytes appears necessary to provoke primary sensitization, the stability of leukocyte antigens during routine platelet storage is largely unknown. Accordi...