The surface antigens of human B lymphocytes.

During the past few years identification and characterization of the surface antigens of B lymphocytes using monoclonal antibodies has continued apace. International Workshops on Leucocyte Differentiation Antigens have categorized many antibodies using the cluster of differentiation (CD) system. Here Heddy Zola reviews the recent advances in antigen identification - including those defined by unclustered antibodies as well as CD antigens - and indicates that the bulk of future work will revolve around attempts to place them within a functional framework.