Specialized contributions by alpha(1,3)-fucosyltransferase-IV and FucT-VII during leukocyte rolling in dermal microvessels.

Noninflamed skin venules support constitutive leukocyte rolling. P-selectin controls the rolling frequency, whereas E-selectin dictates rolling velocity (Vroll). Fucosylated selectin ligands are essential for all interactions, as rolling was absent in mice doubly deficient in alpha1,3-fucosyltransferase (FucT)-IV and FucT-VII. The rolling fraction was reduced in FucT-VII-/- animals but normal in FucT-IV-/- mice. However, Vroll was markedly increased in both strains. P-selectin ligands generated by FucT-VII are crucial for initial leukocyte tethering, whereas E-selectin ligands that permit maximum slowing of Vroll require simultaneous expression of FucT-IV and FucT-VII. These results demonstrate a role for FucT-IV in selectin-dependent adhesion and suggest that the endothelial selectins and FucTs have distinct but overlapping functions in the immunosurveillance of the skin.

The CC chemokine thymus-derived chemotactic agent 4 (TCA-4, secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine, 6Ckine, exodus-2) triggers lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1-mediated arrest of rolling T lymphocytes in peripheral lymph node high endothelial venules.

T cell homing to peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs) is defined by a multistep sequence of interactions between lymphocytes and endothelial cells in high endothelial venules (HEVs). After initial tethering and rolling via L-selectin, firm adhesion of T cells requires rapid upregulation of lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) adhesiveness by a previously unknown pathway that activates a Galpha(i)-linked receptor. Here, we used intravital microscopy of murine PLNs to study the role of thymus-derived chemotactic agent (TCA)-4 (secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine, 6Ckine, Exodus-2) in homing of adoptively transferred T cells from T-GFP mice, a transgenic strain that expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) selectively in naive T lymphocytes (T(GFP) cells). TCA-4 was constitutively presented on the luminal surface of HEVs, where it was required for LFA-1 activation on rolling T(GFP) cells. Desensitization of the TCA-4 receptor, CC chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7), blocked T(GFP) cell adherence in wild-type HEVs, whereas desensitization to stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1alpha (the ligand for CXC chemokine receptor 4 [CXCR4]) did not affect T(GFP) cell behavior. TCA-4 protein was not detected on the luminal surface of PLN HEVs in plt/plt mice, which have a congenital defect in T cell homing to PLNs. Accordingly, T(GFP) cells rolled but did not arrest in plt/plt HEVs. When TCA-4 was injected intracutaneously into plt/plt mice, the chemokine entered afferent lymph vessels and accumulated in draining PLNs. 2 h after intracutaneous injection, luminal presentation of TCA-4 was detectable in a subset of HEVs, and LFA-1-mediated T(GFP) cell adhesion was restored in these vessels. We conclude that TCA-4 is both required and sufficient for LFA-1 activation on rolling T cells in PLN HEVs. This study also highlights a hitherto undocumented role for chemokines contained in afferent lymph, which may modulate leukocyte recruitment in draining PLNs.

Hypoglycinaemia and psychomotor delay in a child with xeroderma pigmentosum.

Glycine is a nonessential amino acid that serves as both an inhibitory and an excitatory neurotransmitter. Hyperglycinaemia occurs in non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia, a primary defect in the glycine cleavage pathway, and as a secondary feature of several inborn errors of organic acid metabolism. However, specifically low levels of glycine have never been reported. Here we report a child with complementation group C xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) characterized by a splice donor mutation in the XPC gene, multiple skin cancers and specific and persistent hypoglycinaemia. He has cognitive delay, lack of speech, autistic features, hyperactivity and hypotonia, all unexplained by the diagnosis of XP group C, a non-neurological form of the disease. Treatment with oral glycine has improved his hyperactivity. Specific hypoglycinaemia could indicate a metabolic disorder producing neurological dysfunction. Whether it is related to or coincidental with the XP is unclear.

Dominant negative allele (N47D) in a compound heterozygote for a variant of 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase deficiency causing transient hyperphenylalaninemia.

Mutations in the 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) gene result in persistent hyperphenylalaninemia and severe catecholamine and serotonin deficiencies. We investigated at the DNA level a family with a PTPS-deficient child presenting with an unusual form of transient hyperphenylalaninemia. The patient exhibited compound heterozygosity for the PTPS-mutant alleles N47D and D116G. Transfection studies with single PTPS alleles in COS-1 cells showed that the N47D allele was inactive, while D116G had around 66% of the wild-type activity. Upon co-transfection of two PTPS alleles into COS-1 cells, the N47D allele had a dominant negative effect on both the wild-type PTPS and the D116G mutant with relative reduction to about 20% of control values. Whereas the mother and the father had reduced enzyme activity in red blood cells (34.7% and 51.7%, respectively) and skin fibroblasts (2.8% and 15.4%, respectively), the clinically normal patient had in these cells activities at the detection limits, although PTPS-cross-reactive material was present in the fibroblasts. The specifically low PTPS activity in the mother's cells corroborated the evidence of a dominant negative effect of the maternal N47D allele on wild-type PTPS.

Eotaxin modulates myelopoiesis and mast cell development from embryonic hematopoietic progenitors.

Eotaxin is a potent chemoattractant for eosinophils during inflammation and allergic reactions in the adult, but its role in the embryonic development of the hematopoietic system has not been examined. We report here that eotaxin and its receptor, CCR-3, are expressed by embryonic tissues responsible for blood development, such as fetal liver (FL), yolk sac (YS), and peripheral blood. We found that eotaxin acts synergistically with stem cell factor to accelerate the differentiation of embryonic mast cell progenitors, and this response can be suppressed by pertussis toxin, an inhibitor of chemokine-induced signaling through Gialpha protein and chemotaxis. Eotaxin promotes the differentiation of fetal mast cell progenitors into differentiated mast cells as defined by the expression of mast cell specific proteases. Furthermore, in combination with stem cell factor (SCF), it promotes the growth of Mac-1(+) myeloid cells from embryonic progenitors. These studies suggest that eotaxin may be involved in the growth of granulocytic progenitors and the differentiation and/or function of mast cells during embryogenesis and/or pathological conditions that induce high levels of eotaxin, such as allergic responses.

A unique familial leukodystrophy with adult onset dementia and abnormal glycolipid storage: a new lysosomal disease?

Two adult siblings with early onset dementia are described. At presentation, in their early 30s, they showed poor judgment and disinhibition. A progressive dementia ensued over several years. Brain MRI disclosed diffusely increased T2 signal in the cerebral white matter, suggestive of a leukodystrophy. Numerous lysosomal enzyme assays including leucocyte arylsulphatase A and galactocerebrosidase activities, plasma and fibroblast very long chain fatty acid concentrations, and urinary sulphatide concentrations were normal, as were CSF analyses. A brain biopsy disclosed periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and Sudan black positive material in perivascular macrophages which, by electron microscopy, consisted of stacks of straight or curvilinear paired membranes within angulate lysosomes, indicative of abnormal glycolipid accumulation. The combination of clinical, radiological, biochemical, and pathological features of this degenerative disease is not consistent with that of any of the known leukodystrophies or lysosomal storage disorders. These findings suggest a previously undescribed familial glycolipid storage disorder causing an adult onset leukodystrophy and presenting with behavioural symptoms that mimic a psychiatric disorder.

Eotaxin influences the development of embryonic hematopoietic progenitors in the mouse.

Eotaxin is a potent chemoattractant for eosinophils during inflammation and allergic reactions in the adult, but its role during development has not been studied. We report that eotaxin and its receptor, CCR-3, are expressed by embryonic tissues responsible for blood development, including the yolk sac, fetal liver, and fetal blood. We also found that eotaxin acts synergistically with stem cell factor (SCF) to accelerate the differentiation of embryonic mast cell progenitors and to promote the growth of Mac-1+/Gr-1- cells from progenitors isolated at 10-12 days of gestation. This response is diminished by Pertussis toxin, the Gi alpha inhibitor. These studies suggest that eotaxin is involved in the growth of myeloid cell progenitors and the differentiation of mast cells during embryogenic development.

Limb anomalies in DiGeorge and CHARGE syndromes.

Limb anomalies are not common in the DiGeorge or CHARGE syndromes. We describe limb anomalies in two children, one with DiGeorge and the other with CHARGE syndrome. Our first patient had a bifid left thumb, Tetralogy of Fallot, absent thymus, right facial palsy, and a reduced number of T-cells. A deletion of 22q11 was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The second patient, with CHARGE syndrome, had asymmetric findings that included right fifth finger clinodactyly, camptodactyly, tibial hemimelia and dimpling, and severe club-foot. The expanded spectrum of the DiGeorge and CHARGE syndromes includes limb anomalies.

Identification of a new mouse beta-chemokine, thymus-derived chemotactic agent 4, with activity on T lymphocytes and mesangial cells.

Thymus-derived chemotactic agent 4 (TCA4), a new member of the beta-chemokine family, was cloned from a mouse thymic cDNA library. High levels of TCA4 mRNA are expressed in thymus; lower levels of message are found in spleen, heart, and kidney. Anti-TCA4 antibodies were used to localize sites of TCA4 expression within lymphoid tissues. In the thymus, UEA-1+ medullary epithelial cells, some endothelial cells, and additional undefined stromal elements were stained with anti-TCA4. TCA4 was also expressed as a meshlike network in splenic white pulp and in the medullary region of the lymph nodes. In addition, some lymph node and splenic blood vessels stained with anti-TCA4 antibodies. Rel B NFkappaB-deficient mice lack a transcription factor required for the generation of dendritic cells and the development of an organized thymic medulla. Rel B-deficient animals express very low levels of TCA4 in the thymus and little or no TCA4 in the periphery. At subnanomolar concentrations, TCA4 is a chemoattractant of mature T cells; the potential role of this novel chemokine in facilitating normal lymphocyte traffic is discussed. TCA4 is also a chemoattractant of cultured mesangial cells. Neutralizing anti-TCA4 mAb was used to demonstrate the specificity of TCA4-mediated cell migration. Finally, competitive binding studies with a SV40-transformed mouse mesangial cell line demonstrated that other murine beta-chemokines (monocyte chemotactic protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha, macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta, and thymus-derived chemotactic agent 3) do not compete for TCA4 binding.

CD10 and CD44 genes of leukemic cells and malignant cell lines show no evidence of transformation-related alterations.

The expression of CD10/CALLA is associated primarily with childhood leukemia of pre-B lymphocyte phenotype. We have compared the hybridization pattern of the CALLA gene from leukemic and normal cells digested with several restriction enzymes. No alterations were noticed with Eco RI, Sac I, Pvu II, Eco RV, Hind III, and Msp I. Since CALLA is also found on other malignancies, we analyzed DNA samples prepared from cell lines derived from leukemia, lymphoma, glioblastoma, retinoblastoma, and neuroblastoma. Normal restriction patterns were observed for all the lines regardless of their CALLA phenotype. Having demonstrated previously that CALLA was structurally identical to neutral endopeptidase 3.4.24.11 (NEP), we have now established a correlation between surface expression of CALLA and NEP activity on leukemia samples and on several cell lines. Malignant cells tested expressed a functionally active enzyme and no gross alteration was present in the CALLA gene. The CD44 gene is expressed on most cells of hemopoietic origin and on greater than 95% of cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloblastic leukemia studied. It is also expressed on normal astrocytes and on malignant cells of glioma/astrocytoma types. We now report that a similar pattern of hybridization was observed with Sac I, Pvu II, and Eco RI for leukemic samples, normal cells, and malignant cell lines. A polymorphism was recently detected for CD44 using Hind III; leukemic cells and malignant lines also showed this normal polymorphism. Thus no deletion or insertion could be detected in the CD44 gene of leukemic cells and malignant lines, suggesting that no gross DNA alterations were involved. The correlation between surface expression and enzymatic activity of CD10/CALLA and the expression of CD44 on a variety of malignant cells would suggest that the structure and function of these two gene products are probably not altered by the process of transformation.

Confirmation by peptide sequence and co-expression on various cell types of the identity of CD44 and P85 glycoprotein.

The p85 glycoprotein expressed on a variety of human cell types including astrocytes and lymphocytes has not been associated with the CD44 cluster. The recent demonstration that Hermes, a glycoprotein implicated in the adhesion of lymphocytes to endothelium, belongs to the CD44 cluster raises interesting questions concerning the role of this molecule on astrocytes and on non-lymphoid cells. To obtain confirmation of the identity of p85 glycoprotein and CD44, p85 glycoprotein was purified from B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells by affinity to monolonal 50B4-IgG and electrophoretic elution, digested with trypsin or CNBr and fractionated by reversed-phase HPLC. The sequences of three peptides were obtained which could be aligned with the amino acid sequence deduced from the CD44 cDNA at residues 49-54, 59-66 and 309-323. These constitute the first reported peptide sequences for antigens of the CD44 cluster and confirm that p85 glycoprotein is indeed the product of the CD44 gene. Since two different cDNA clones encoding molecules with cytoplasmic tails of 72 and 5 amino acids have been isolated, the isolation of peptide 309-323 confirms the existence of a processed protein with the longer cytoplasmic domain. Using a cDNA probe, we have characterized the expression of CD44 in several normal and malignant cell types. The level of CD44 mRNA was correlated with the surface expression of CD44 antigens (50B4) in several leukemic cell lines, in astrocytoma lines and in normal granulocytes. Negative cells included the Y79 retinoblastoma line, the NALM-6 leukemic line and endothelial cells. Identical mRNA species of 5.0, 2.3 and 1.7 kb were present in all CD44-positive samples, including normal granulocytes, astrocytoma, melanoma and leukemia cell lines and leukemic cells from patients. The highest level of expression of CD44 was observed on astrocytoma lines and on acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells of immature phenotype. The presence of high levels of CD44 on malignant cells could increase the ability of these cells to adhere to matrix proteins and/or to interact with endothelium, thus potentially altering their capacity for invasiveness and metastasis.

Quantitative Phenotyping of Childhood Leukemia Identifies Variable and Invariable Cell Surface Antigens.

Cells obtained from 75 cases of childhood leukemia were subjected to flow cytometry analysis to estimate the density of several cell surface antigens and derive a quantitative immunological phenotype. Sixty-five cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) including 10 T-ALL, 6 non-T ALL designated groups I and II (HLA-DRCALLA), 48 non-T ALL termed groups III and IV (HLA-DRCALLA) and one B-ALL were studied; 10 cases of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) were also analysed. The estimation of the relative fluorescence index (RFI) on leukemic blasts led to the derivation of mean values for each marker in the leukemia subgroups. We have quantitated the levels of the antigens generally used in the classification of these leukemias (CALLA, CD5, CD20, CD13, HLA-DR and CD19) and of other cell surface antigens associated with leukemic cells. For example, CALLA (CD10) level was high (mean RFI value of 26.4) on the leukemic cells of non-T ALL groups III and IV. The CD5 antigen was present on T-ALL, as expected, with an RFI value of 4.5; however, low levels were observed on the more immature non-T ALL of groups I and II (RFI = 2.3 on only 27% of blast cells). The quantitative analysis of the cell surface antigens associated with non-T ALL has revealed molecules such as CALLA, HLA-DR, CD9 and CD44 present at high and variable levels and others such as CD19, CD38, 44G4, 44D7, 44H9 and 44H6 generally of lower intensity, less variable from one patient to another, and with similar mean levels of expression in the different subgroups. These invariable antigens are not altered by the lineage or stage of differentiation of the leukemic cells. The variable antigens could be correlated with the functional and/or differentiation status of the cells and could also be modified by the alterations of regulatory processes associated with malignancy. The quantitation of multiple leukemia-associated antigens, whose structure and function are becoming rapidly established, should help in elucidating the function of these molecules in leukemogenesis and/or disease progression.

Common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen expressed on leukemia and melanoma cell lines has neutral endopeptidase activity.

We have previously reported that the amino acid sequence of the common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (CALLA, CD10) translated from a normal human kidney cDNA clone is identical to that of neutral endopeptidase (NEP, EC 3.4.24.11). In this study, we show that by flow cytometry, a monoclonal antibody (135A3) produced against rabbit NEP reacted selectively with leukemia and melanoma cell lines expressing CALLA on their surface. A glycoprotein of apparent Mr 100,000 was immunoprecipitated from surface labeled NALM-1 leukemia or Mel-1477 melanoma cells with monoclonal antibodies to NEP (135A3) or CALLA (44C10). mRNAs hybridizing to a NEP-specific probe were present in CALLA+ leukemia and melanoma cell lines, but absent from CALLA- lines. NEP enzymatic activity was detected on intact cells from CALLA+ lines, but not CALLA- lines. The activity was blocked by two selective inhibitors of NEP, thiorphan and phosphoramidon. CALLA antigen purified from the NALM-6 leukemic cell line by affinity to 44C10-IgG Sepharose retained a peptidase activity that was completely blocked by thiorphan and phosphoramidon. Thus the CALLA antigen present at the surface of leukemia and melanoma cell lines is an enzymatically active neutral endopeptidase.

Common acute lymphocytic leukemia antigen is identical to neutral endopeptidase.

We purified CALLA from human kidney and isolated a cDNA clone reactive with two oligonucleotide probes corresponding to two distinct peptides. The amino acid sequence translated from the CALLA cDNA revealed 100% identity with that of human neutral endopeptidase (NEP, enkephalinase). The distribution of CALLA antigen and NEP in normal tissues are similar.

Purification and characterization of a protein antigen (p94) from human brain and its identification in other species.

A protein antigen was chromatographically purified from human brain by its immunoaffinity to 44E3 monoclonal IgG and its chemical nature was investigated. The yield of antigen was estimated at 71%, and a 3160-fold purification was achieved relative to the homogenate. The antigen preparation from brain showed a very high degree of purity when analysed by SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and was composed of a single polypeptide of Mr 94,000. Amino-sugar and neutral-sugar analyses indicated that the protein was not glycosylated. The amino acid composition of the purified protein from brain was compared with that of the analogous protein purified from an acute-lymphoblastic-leukaemic cell line, HOON. The compositions were very similar, suggesting that the two proteins were closely related. Both purified proteins were equivalent in their ability to inhibit the reactivity of monoclonal antibodies 44E3 and 44H4 with leukaemic cells. These two antibodies appear to recognize spatially related, if not identical, epitopes on the same molecule. The antibodies were shown to cross-react with a polypeptide of Mr 94,000 in homogenates of human, bovine and guinea-pig brain white matter. Indirect immunoperoxidase staining of human grey- and white-matter acetone-fixed tissue sections incubated with either antibody indicated that the antigen was present on neuronal and glial cells; the staining was seen as clusters in the cytoplasm, starting at the plasma membrane, but leaving the nucleus unstained. The concentration of the protein in human brain was shown to be similar throughout postnatal development and aging.

Monoclonal antibody-mediated modulation of parathyroid hormone secretion by dispersed parathyroid cells.

Available data suggest that ionized calcium may interact with a cell surface "sensor" or "receptor" to produce changes in one or more intracellular second messengers that ultimately regulate the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Recently, we developed a series of monoclonal antibodies directed toward specialized differentiation antigens expressed on endocrine cells. Since many of these monoclonal antibodies displayed exquisite specificity for cell surface molecules on the parathyroid cell, we used these reagents as probes to investigate signal recognition/transduction mechanisms associated with abnormal calcium-regulated PTH secretion. Depending on their binding site on the respective target antigen molecules, these monoclonal antibodies either stimulated or inhibited hormone secretion. Thus, defects in membrane-associated structures may contribute to deranged calcium-regulated PTH secretion in abnormal parathyroid cells.

Correlations between the 44D7 antigenic complex and the plasma membrane Na+-Ca2+ exchanger.

The exchange of Na+ for Ca2+ across the plasma membrane is mediated by a carrier transport system known as the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger. We have recently reported the specific inhibition of Na+-Ca2+ exchanger activity in cardiac and skeletal muscle sarcolemmal vesicles by monoclonal antibody 44D7. In this review, we summarize the properties of the 44D7 monoclonal antibody and the antigenic complex reacting with this antibody. The 44D7 antibody was produced against human acute lymphocytic cells and recognizes a molecular complex composed of two subunits of the apparent molecular weights 95 000 and 38 000, linked by disulfide bonds. Two other monoclonal antibodies react with the same complex:4F2 which binds to the same epitope as 44D7 and specifically inhibits the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger activity, and 44H7 which reacts with a distinct epitope and does not inhibit exchanger activity. The 44D7 antibody reacts with nerve fibers in brain and proximal convoluted tubules of kidney, both known to possess Na+-Ca2+ exchanger activity. Reactivity of 44D7 antibody with tonsil and thymus sections is restricted to certain subpopulations of cells. The reactivity of the antibody is very weak with resting lymphocytes in suspension; however, activated T lymphocytes and leukemic cells show increased binding to 44D7 antibody. Several malignant cell lines express high levels of the 44D7 antigen. The reactivity of a human hepatoma with 44D7 antibody is much greater than that observed with normal hepatocytes. The inhibition by monoclonal antibody 44D7 of the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger activity and the similarity in tissue distribution of the 44D7 antigenic complex and the exchanger system suggests that these two molecules might be related.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mouse L cells express a molecular complex carrying the human epitopes recognized by monoclonal antibodies 44D7 and 44H7 after DNA-mediated gene transfer.

In a previous study, we isolated from the non-T, non-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line, HOON, a molecular complex comprised of a minimum of two polypeptide chains linked by disulfide bonds and expressing two distinct epitopes, 44D7 and 44H7. The DNA from the HOON cell lines has been co-transfected with the herpes simplex thymidine kinase gene into mouse L cells. By using a flow cytometer, a stable thymidine kinase-positive cell population expressing both 44H7 and 44D7 antigens of the human leukemic cells has been generated by repeated sorting of cells reactive with monoclonal antibody 44H7. After three sequential sorting experiments, cloned cell lines were established, and a subclone designated 3D5 has been additionally characterized. Greater than 90% of the 3D5 cells stained positively with monoclonal antibodies 44H7 and 44D7 and with 4F2, which reacts with an epitope identical or spatially related to that seen by 44D7. The ratio of antigenic density 4F2:44D7 calculated from the relative fluorescence indices was similar on the HOON leukemic cells and on the 3D5 transfectant cells. However, 3D5, which was selected with antibody 44H7, expressed a higher ratio of 44H7:44D7 than did the HOON cells. The molecular complex carrying these epitopes was isolated from a 3D5 cell extract on a column of 44D7-IgG-Sepharose and was additionally purified by immunoprecipitation. Although several polypeptide chains were present in the immunoprecipitates, the major polypeptide band had an apparent m.w. of 127,000 under nonreducing conditions. After reduction, three bands of apparent m.w. 91,000, 38,000, and 33,000 appeared. The presence of the 91,000 and 38,000 subunits linked by disulfide bonds was also observed for the 44D7 antigen isolated from HOON cells, whereas the polypeptide of apparent m.w. 33,000 was only seen in immunoprecipitates of the transfectant cell extracts. Because the antigen expressed in the transfectants is associated with a multimeric complex containing disulfide-linked subunits, it is possible that only the gene encoding one of the polypeptide chains, namely that carrying the epitopes, was in fact transfected. This HOON gene product could be one subunit associating with murine subunits encoded by genes of the L cell. Alternatively, the antigenic complex may be the product of closely linked genes transfected together, or of a single human gene that is modified post-translationally to create a disulfide-linked complex.

Elevated levels of a glycoprotein antigen (P-80) in gray and white matter of brain from victims of multiple sclerosis.

The levels of a glycoprotein reactive with monoclonal antibody (MAb) 44D10 in white and gray matter from brains of victims of several neurological diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, were compared to that of normal individuals. The concentration of antigen reactive with MAb 44D10 was elevated in both gray and white matter of all MS brains examined, but not in brains with other neurological diseases. The increase in the concentration of antigen varied amongst the MS brains, such that the levels of antigen were only slightly increased in 2 of the 6 MS brains whereas 2 to 4 fold higher levels were found in the other 4 brains. Increased levels of antigen were detected in gray matter of MS brains, whereas this antigen was either not detected or present in very low levels in gray matter homogenates prepared from age-matched normal brains. MAb Leu 1, which reacts with T lymphocytes, was not absorbed by normal and MS brain tissue suggesting the increase in antigen reactive with MAb 44D10 in MS brain homogenates was not associated with non-specific infiltration by T lymphocytes. Comparison of the purified antigen from MS gray matter and normal white matter by gel electrophoresis demonstrated that MAb 44D10 was reacting with a similar protein in both tissues with an apparent molecular weight of 80K. We have named this molecule P-80 glycoprotein.