High-risk corneal allografts are capable of stimulating complement dependent cytolytic antibodies

Purpose. To prospectively characterize serum antibody responses in high- risk corneal allografts. Methods. Orthotopic and heterotopic C3H (H-2(k)) corneas were transplanted to CB6F1 (H-2(b/d)) recipient mice. Individual serum samples were collected at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 from orthotopically and heterotopically grafted mice. Samples were tested for anti-C3H antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum samples were also tested for the ability to lyse target cells in the presence of complement. Results. In high-risk donor-host combinations, 100% corneal allograft rejection occurs in the absence of IgG₁ production. Both orthotopic and heterotopic corneal allografts induced cytolytic complement fixing antibody isotypes. Conclusions. Allospecific corneal antibody may be involved in corneal graft rejection in high-risk donor-host combinations.