CLASSIFICATION OF MYELOMA PROTEINS, BENCE JONES PROTEINS, AND MACROGLOBULINS INTO TWO GROUPS ON THE BASIS OF COMMON ANTIGENIC CHARACTERS

Abstract

Antisera to normal 7S γ-globulin and to Bence Jones proteins permit the grouping of myeloma proteins (gamma and beta 2A types), Bence Jones proteins, and the Waldenström type macroglobulins into two fundamental antigenic groups. The antigenic determinants responsible for this grouping are common to all these proteins which fall in the general category of immunoglobulins. Antisera to Bence Jones proteins were particularly useful for this classification since they failed to react with the proteins of the opposite group. These antisera also permit the grouping of normal 7S γ-globulin into two major types. The Bence Jones proteins from individual patients were found to correspond in antigenic group to that of the serum myeloma protein. Studies with antisera to 7S γ-globulin and to Bence Jones proteins indicated that the Bence Jones proteins were antigenically identical to a portion of the corresponding multiple myeloma protein molecules.