HLA membrane antigens: sequencing by intrinsic radioactivity.

Abstract
Radiochemical sequence data are presented for the amino termini of mixed HL-A [human histocompatibility] antigens A1 and B8 isolated from a human lymphoblastoid cell line [TLCL-19]. Cells were labeled intrinsically in small-scale tissue culture with 14C-labeled amino acids and [14C]pyruvate. The specific activities obtained were sufficiently high and uniform to permit direct radiochemical sequencing of the antigens. HL-A antigens were isolated by adsorption to a solid-phase anti-.beta.2-microglobulin immunoadsorbent followed by electrophoresis. The method should be generally applicable and useful for sequencing all parts of the molecule.