There will be a continuing need for well characterized panels of EBV-t
ransformed lymphoblastoid cell lines. Selection of the 4AOH panel was
based on prior MHC typing and was intended to ensure representation of
ancestral haplotypes from various racial groups. Cells from nonhuman
primates, bone marrow donor-recipient pairs, and patients with IDDM we
re included. Selected cells from the 101HW were included to enable fur
ther characterization. Cells were distributed to participants in the 4
AOHW and were typed at multiple loci by a variety of procedures. Non-H
LA genes such as TNF were included. Since the cells were distributed '
'blind'' with hidden replicates, it was possible to evaluate the quali
ty of the typing data. An approach to data management is described. Th
e best current estimates of the typing of these cells are presented. T
he panel will be useful since it provides standards for most alleles a
t most loci. Since the cells are so well characterized, they represent
a useful resource for MHC sequencing and for the evaluation of new ty
ping procedures.