AN AVIAN LYMPHOCYTE-B PROTEIN ASSOCIATED WITH BETA-2-MICROGLOBULIN

A member of the family of β2-microglobulin (β2m)-associated cell surface glycoproteins was identified by the CB3 monoclonal antibody. The Mr 50 000 heavy chain of the CB3 antigen differs from conventional class I heavy chains (M r 45 000) in the extent of glycosylation, charge, and peptide composition. Because of its selective expression on avian B cells and its similarity to mammalian class I-like molecules, we speculate that the CB3 antigen may play a role in T- and B-cell interactions. rommental stimuli is to prepare monoclonal antibodies against bursal cell surface antigens. Using this strategy we have identified several proteins that are expressed on the surface of bursal B cells (Chen and Cooper 1987). In the present study we characterize CB3, a class I-like molecule associated with β2-microglobulin (β2m) on the surface of both bursal and peripheral B cells. © 1990 Springer-Verlag.