Aggregation of HL-A Antigens at the Lymphocyte Surface Induced by Antiserum to beta2-Microglobulin.

Rabbit antiserum to human beta(2)-microglobulin followed by goat antiserum to rabbit immunoglobulin induces aggregation of beta(2)-microglobulin at the lymphocyte surface, as shown by immunofluorescence and by acquisition of resistance to lysis by complement. This treatment also affects all HL-A antigens of the cell, which cap together with beta(2)-microglobulin, so that the cell becomes resistant to lysis upon addition of antibodies to HL-A in the presence of complement. These findings suggest that a physical linkage exists between these two classes of polypeptides at the surface of the living cell and is in agreement with recent biochemical data obtained by others with cell membrane preparations.