Distribution and Mobility of β2-Microglobulin on the Human Lymphocyte Membrane: Immunofluorescence and Immunoferritin Studies

[摘要] β2-Microglobulin (β2-µ) was detected on the surface of human peripheral blood cells by direct or indirect immunofluorescence methods and by indirect immunoferritin labeling in electron microscopy with specific anti-β2-µ sera and conjugates. β2-µ was expressed, although not with the same intensity on the membrane of all lymphocytes, including B and T derived cells, on polymorphonuclear leukocytes, but not on erythrocytes. The antibody-induced redistribution and capping of β2-µ on the membrane of living lymphocytes could not be obtained at 37°C by bivalent anti-β2-µ antibodies alone, but was readily provoked upon addition of anti-Ig sera to anti-β2-µ antibody-coated cells. The technical conditions for the redistribution of all detectable β2-µ were defined by double immunofluorescence techniques. In such conditions, β2-µ migrates independently of surface Ig on the membrane of B lymphocytes, indicating that these molecules are independent on the cell surface.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）