Biosynthetic incorporation of [75Se]selenomethionine: a new method for labelling lymphocyte membrane antigens.

A novel approach for radiolabelling lymphocyte membrane antigens is described. This technique is based on the use of the gamma-emitting amino acid analogue [75Se]selenomethionine. Human HLA-A, B, C and DR heavy and light chains and mouse Ia antigens were efficiently labelled by this technique and were precipitated with monoclonal antibodies. Approximately the same radioactivity was incorporated into the HLA-A, B, C chains whether [75Se]selenomethionine, [35S]methionine or [3H]leucine were used as precursors. Easily detectable as a gamma-emitter, [75Se]selenomethionine thus constitutes a useful biosynthetic label of lymphocyte surface antigens. The same method was used to label immunoglobulins produced by hybridomas and to determine the nature of the secreted light chains.