A human lymphocyte antigen is shared with a group of glycoproteins in peripheral nerve

The monoclonal antibody HNK-1 binds to a carbohydrate determinant in the myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) and other glycoproteins of human peripheral nerve. Some glycoproteins of lower M r than the major P 0 glycoprotein of myelin appear to bind more antibody than MAG. These glycoproteins electrophorese in the M r range of 20,000 to 26,000 and are present in the purified myelin fraction. The results indicate that an antigen on the surface of a subset of lymphocytes is shared with a group of glycoproteins in human peripheral nerve. The antigen appears to be similar to that recognized by IgM paraproteins associated with a type of neuropathy.