Fluorescent and Immuno-Electron Microscopic Studies of la Antigen Distribution in Normal Human Skin

The I region of the H-2 histocompatability complex in mice is of interest because it plays a major role in numerous immune phenomena.Ia (immune region assoc.) antigens are I region gene products which have been studied mainly in the murine system and have been shown to be present on the surface of B lymphocytes. These glycoproteins are also present in lesser quantities on T cells, macrophages, sperm and fetal liver cells.Studies have been made of the distribution of la antigens in human skin, utilizing a heteroantiserum raised in rabbits. Cell membranes of a B lymphoblastoid cell line were solubilized with Triton X-100 in the presence of a protease inhibitor Trasylol. After clarification by ultracentrifugation the supernatant was passed over a Biogel A 1.5 column. The middle peak (160,000 Mol. Wt.) was then applied by a Con A-Sepharose affinity column.