Demonstration of non-idiotypic variable heavy chain (VH) antigens on human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
In this study we have obtained evidence for the expression of Vh-like determinants on unstimulated human T lymphocytes as well as T lymphoblasts. These determinants were detected with antisera raised against isolated VH fragments of a human IgG3 cryoglobulin (KUP). The antisera detect idiotypic, VH subgroup and HV framework determinants and behave as anti-immunoglobulin antibodies when tested against peripheral blood mononuclear cells in immunofluorescence experiments. However, sensitive radiolabelling and immunoprecipitation techniques revealed a certain reactivity against highly purified T lymphocytes. The specificity of these T-cell-reactive antibodies has not been fully established, but the results suggest that the antisera contain antibodies directed at VH fragment-specific antigens or antigens not exposed on native immunoglobulins or isolated heavy chains.
D002469:Cell Separation; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D000939:Epitopes / Q000032:analysis*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D000939:Epitopes; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains