Human corneal cells in vitro: morphology and histocompatibility (HL A) antigens of pure cell populations

Pure populations of human corneal epithelial cells, keratocytes, and endothelial cells were established in vitro. Morphological examination of the cells by phase contrast and electron microscopy showed that, even after multiple serial passages, the cells retained structural specializations typical of their tissues of origin. Using a modified cytotoxic plating inhibition test, HL-A histocompatibility antigens could successfully be detected on all cultured cells. The results of HL-A typing were generally concordant between corneal cells and lymphocytes from the same donor. This study provides direct evidence that HL-A antigens are present on cultured corneal cells, and suggests that such cells may prove useful in the study of immunological graft rejection encountered in keratoplasty.