# MONOCLONAL ANTI-B2-MICROGLOBULIN AND LYMPHOCYTE FUNCTION

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 1987 · $107,675

## Abstract

The overall goal of this proposal is to explore the ability of monoclonal
anti-B2m antibodies to alter lymphocyte function and to define the
mechanisms involved.  Beta-2-microglobulin (B2m) is the light chain of
major histocompatibility (MHC) and major histocompatibility-related cell
surface structures.  Xeonantibodies against human B2m are capable of
altering in vitro lymphocyte function.  In general, they augment B cell
function but suppress T cell responses.  Antibodies to B2m also occur
naturally.  They are found in several rheumatic diseases, including
systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing
spondylitis.  Their clinical significance is unknown, but it is possible
they may play a role in pathogenesis.  Preliminary studies show that
monoclonal anti-B2m can alter lymphocyte and platelet function.  In
addition, individual monoclonal antibodies against B2m have dramatically
different functional effects.  Since B2m may combine with several different
heavy chains and other molecules have structural similarity to B2m, a
variety of possibilities exist for the site of action of anti-B2m
antibodies on lymphocytes.  Anti-B2m monoclonals should prove useful as
probes to define the mechanism of action of anti-B2m antibodies on
lymphocytes and clarify the role of B2m containing structures in lymphocyte
proliferation.

A panel of monoclonal anti-B2m antibodies will be expanded to include
individual reagents with optimal ability to alter specific lymphocyte
functions such as B cell differentiation or suppression of T cell
proliferation.  These antibodies will be reacted against cell supernatants
containing cytokines or directly with lymphocytes and monocytes to
determine whether the effect is due to binding to the cell surface or to
soluble mediators.  If cells are involved directly, isolated subpopulations
of T & B cells will be examined to determine if effector or controlling
cells are the site of action.  Finally, surface or soluble antigens thought
to represent the site of action of the antibodies will be characterized by
immunoprecipitation and immunodepletion in conjunction with SDS-PAGE and
isolated using the monoclonal as an immunoabsorbant.  Proof that the
isolated material is relevant will be sought with second generation
monoclonals.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3156857
- **Project number:** 5R01AR034480-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** KABJZBBJ4B54
- **Principal Investigator:** RONALD P MESSNER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $107,675
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1985-09-01 → 1988-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3156857

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3156857, MONOCLONAL ANTI-B2-MICROGLOBULIN AND LYMPHOCYTE FUNCTION (5R01AR034480-03). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3156857. Licensed CC0.

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