Mitogenic effect of alpha 1-microglobulin on mouse lymphocytes. Evidence of T- and B-cell cooperation, B-cell proliferation, and a low-affinity receptor on mononuclear cells

Structure, Functions, and Physiological Roles of the Lipocalin α1-Microglobulin (A1M)

α₁-microglobulin (A1M) is found in all vertebrates including humans. A1M was, together with retinol-binding protein and β-lactoglobulin, one of the three original lipocalins when the family first was proposed in 1985. A1M is described as an antioxidant and tissue cleaning protein with reductase, heme- and radical-binding activities. These biochemical properties are driven by a strongly electronegative surface-exposed thiol group, C34, on loop 1 of the open end of the lipocalin barrel. A1M has been shown to have protective effects in vitro and in vivo in cell-, organ-, and animal models of oxidative stress-related medical conditions. The gene coding for A1M is unique among lipocalins since it is flanked downstream by four exons coding for another non-lipocalin protein, bikunin, and is consequently named α₁-microglobulin-bikunin precursor gene (AMBP). The precursor is cleaved in the Golgi, and A1M and bikunin are secreted from the cell separately. Recent publications have suggested novel physiological roles of A1M in regulation of endoplasmic reticulum activities and erythrocyte homeostasis. This review summarizes the present knowledge of the structure and functions of the lipocalin A1M and presents a current model of its biological role(s).

Pathological conditions involving extracellular hemoglobin: molecular mechanisms, clinical significance, and novel therapeutic opportunities for α(1)-microglobulin

Hemoglobin (Hb) is the major oxygen (O(2))-carrying system of the blood but has many potentially dangerous side effects due to oxidation and reduction reactions of the heme-bound iron and O(2). Extracellular Hb, resulting from hemolysis or exogenous infusion, is shown to be an important pathogenic factor in a growing number of diseases. This review briefly outlines the oxidative/reductive toxic reactions of Hb and its metabolites. It also describes physiological protection mechanisms that have evolved against extracellular Hb, with a focus on the most recently discovered: the heme- and radical-binding protein α(1)-microglobulin (A1M). This protein is found in all vertebrates, including man, and operates by rapidly clearing cytosols and extravascular fluids of heme groups and free radicals released from Hb. Five groups of pathological conditions with high concentrations of extracellular Hb are described: hemolytic anemias and transfusion reactions, the pregnancy complication pre-eclampsia, cerebral intraventricular hemorrhage of premature infants, chronic inflammatory leg ulcers, and infusion of Hb-based O(2) carriers as blood substitutes. Finally, possible treatments of these conditions are discussed, giving a special attention to the described protective effects of A1M.

Oxalate-inducible AMBP gene and its regulatory mechanism in renal tubular epithelial cells

The AMBP [A1M (alpha1-microglobulin)/bikunin precursor] gene encodes two plasma glycoproteins: A1M, an immunosuppressive lipocalin, and bikunin, a member of plasma serine proteinase inhibitor family with prototypical Kunitz-type domain. Although previously believed to be constitutively expressed exclusively in liver, the present study demonstrates the induction of this gene by oxalate in porcine proximal tubular LLC-PK1 cells and rat kidney. In liver, the precursor protein is cleaved in the Golgi network by a furin-like enzyme to release constituent proteins, which undergo glycosylation before their export from the cell. In the renal tubular cells, A1M and bikunin co-precipitate, indicating lack of cleavage of the precursor protein. As the expression of the AMBP gene is regulated by A1M-specific cis elements and transcription factors, A1M protein was studied as a representative of AMBP gene expression in renal cells. Oxalate treatment (500 microM) resulted in a time- and dose-dependent induction of A1M protein in LLC-PK1 cells. Of the four transcription factors, HNF-4 (hepatocyte nuclear factor-4) has been reported previously to be a major regulator of AMBP gene expression in liver. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assay, supershift assay, immunoreactivity assay and transfection-based studies showed the presence of an HNF-4 or an HNF-4-like protein in the kidney, which can affect the expression of the AMBP gene. In situ hybridization and immunocytochemical studies showed that the expression of this gene in kidney was mainly restricted to cells lining the renal tubular system.

Alpha 1-microglobulin: clinical laboratory aspects and applications

BACKGROUND

Urinary microproteins are becoming increasingly important in clinical diagnostics. They can contribute in the non-invasive early detection of renal abnormalities and the differentiation of various nephrological and urological pathologies. Alpha 1-microglobulin (A1M) is an immunomodulatory protein with a broad spectrum of possible clinical applications and seems a promising marker for evaluation of tubular function.

METHOD

We performed a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature (until end of November 2003) on A1M with emphasis on clinical diagnostic utility and laboratory aspects.

CONCLUSIONS

A1M is a 27-kDa glycoprotein, present in various body fluids, with unknown exact biological function. The protein acts as a mediator of bacterial adhesion to polymer surfaces and is involved in inhibiting renal lithogenesis. Because A1M is not an acute phase protein, is stable in a broad range of physiological conditions and sensitive immunoassays have been developed, its measurement can be used for clinical purposes. Unfortunately, international standardisation is still lacking. Altered plasma/serum levels are usually due to impaired liver or kidney functions but are also observed in clinical conditions such as HIV and mood disorders. Urinary A1M provides a non-invasive, inexpensive diagnostic alternative for the diagnosis and monitoring of urinary tract disorders (early detection of tubular disorders such as heavy metal intoxications, diabetic nephropathy, urinary outflow disorders and pyelonephritis).

Distribution of iodine 125-labeled alpha1-microglobulin in rats after intravenous injection

The 28-kd plasma protein alpha(1)-microglobulin is found in the blood of mammals and fish in a free, monomeric form and as high-molecular-weight complexes with molecular masses above 200 kd. In this study, iodine 125-labeled free and high-molecular weight rat alpha(1)-microglobulin (a mixture of alpha(1)-microglobulin/alpha(1)-inhibitor-3 and alpha(1)-microglobulin/fibronectin complexes) were injected intravenously into rats. The distribution of the proteins was measured by using scintillation camera imaging. Both forms of (125)I-labeled alpha(1)-microglobulin were rapidly cleared from the blood, with a half-life of 2 and 16 minutes for the initial and late phase, respectively, for free alpha(1)-microglobulin; and a half-life of 3 and 130 minutes for the initial and late phase, respectively, for the complexes. After 45 minutes, 6%, 16%, 27%, 13%, and 34% of the free (125)I-labeled alpha(1)-microglobulin and 18%, 21%, 6%, 10%, and 42% of the (125)I-labeled alpha(1)-microglobulin complexes were found in the blood, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, liver, and the remainder of the body, respectively. The local distribution of injected (125)I-labeled alpha(1)-microglobulin in intestines and kidneys was investigated by microscopy and autoradiography. In the intestine, both forms were distributed in the basal layers, villi, and luminal contents. The results also suggested intracellular labeling of epithelial cells. Well-defined local regions containing higher concentrations of injected protein could be seen in the intestine. In the kidneys, both forms were found mostly in the cortex. Free (125)I-labeled alpha(1)-microglobulin was found predominantly in epithelial cells of a subset of the tubules, whereas the (125)I-labeled complexes were more evenly distributed. Intracellular labeling was indicated for both alpha(1)-microglobulin forms. The results thus indicate a rapid transport of (125)I-labeled alpha(1)-microglobulin from the blood to most tissues.

Tissue distribution of the lipocalin alpha-1 microglobulin in the developing human fetus

Alpha-1 microglobulin (alpha(1)m), a lipocalin, is an evolutionarily conserved immunomodulatory plasma protein. In all species studied, alpha(1)m is synthesized by hepatocytes and catabolized in the renal proximal tubular cells. alpha(1)m deficiency has not been reported in any species, suggesting that its absence is lethal and indicating an important physiological role for this protein To clarify its functional role, tissue distribution studies are crucial. Such studies in humans have been restricted largely to adult fresh/frozen tissue. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded multi-organ block tissue from aborted fetuses (gestational age range 7-22 weeks) was immunohistochemically examined for alpha(1)m reactivity. Moderate to strong reactivity was seen at all ages in hepatocytes, renal proximal tubule cells, and a subset of pancreatic islet cells. Muscle (cardiac, skeletal, or smooth), adrenal cortex, a scattered subset of intestinal mucosal cells, tips of small intestinal villi, and Leydig cells showed weaker and/or variable levels of reactivity. Connective tissue stained with variable location and intensity. The following cells/sites were consistently negative: thymus, spleen, hematopoietic cells, lung parenchyma, glomeruli, exocrine pancreas, epidermis, cartilage/bone, ovary, seminiferous tubules, epididymis, thyroid, and parathyroid. The results underscore the dominant role of liver and kidney in fetal alpha(1)m metabolism and provide a framework for understanding the functional role of this immunoregulatory protein.

alpha(1)-Microglobulin: a yellow-brown lipocalin

alpha(1)-Microglobulin, also called protein HC, is a lipocalin with immunosuppressive properties. The protein has been found in a number of vertebrate species including frogs and fish. This review summarizes the present knowledge of its structure, biosynthesis, tissue distribution and immunoregulatory properties. alpha(1)-Microglobulin has a yellow-brown color and is size and charge heterogeneous. This is caused by an array of small chromophore prosthetic groups, attached to amino acid residues at the entrance of the lipocalin pocket. A gene in the lipocalin cluster encodes alpha(1)-microglobulin together with a Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitor, bikunin. The gene is translated into the alpha(1)-microglobulin-bikunin precursor, which is subsequently cleaved and the two proteins secreted to the blood separately. alpha(1)-Microglobulin is found in blood and in connective tissue in most organs. It is most abundant at interfaces between the cells of the body and the environment, such as in lungs, intestine, kidneys and placenta. alpha(1)-Microglobulin inhibits immunological functions of white blood cells in vitro, and its distribution is consistent with an anti-inflammatory and protective role in vivo.

Beyond the superfamily: the lipocalin receptors

Lipocalins are characterized by multiple molecular recognition properties including the ability to bind to cell surface receptors. Receptors for a number of lipocalins have been identified. These include receptors for alpha-1-microglobulin, insecticyanin, glycodelin, retinol-binding protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, beta-lactoglobulin and odorant-binding protein. The properties of these receptors are summarized and discussed.

Immunocalins: a lipocalin subfamily that modulates immune and inflammatory responses

A subset of the lipocalins, notably alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein, alpha(1)-microglobulin, and glycodelin, exert significant immunomodulatory effects in vitro. Interestingly, all three are encoded from the q32-34 region of human chromosome 9, together with at least four other lipocalins (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, complement factor gamma-subunit, tear prealbumin, and prostaglandin D synthase) that also may have anti-inflammatory and/or antimicrobial activity. This review addresses important features of this genetically linked subfamily of lipocalins (involvement with the acute phase response, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, the tissue localization, complex formation with other proteins and receptors, etc.). It is likely that these proteins have evolved to be an integrated part of the body's defense system as part of the extended cytokine network. Its members exert a regulatory, dampening influence on the inflammatory cascade, thereby protecting against tissue damage from excessive inflammation. That most major mammalian allergens are lipocalins may reflect this connection of lipocalins with the immune system. We propose that this immunologically active lipocalin subset be named the 'immunocalins', signifying not only the structural homology and close genetic linkage of its members, but also their protective involvement with immunological and inflammatory processes. As immune mediators, immunocalins appear to use at least three interactive sites: the lipocalin 'pocket', binding sites for other plasma proteins, and binding sites for cell surface receptors.

Carbohydrate groups of alpha1-microglobulin are important for secretion and tissue localization but not for immunological properties

The role of the carbohydrates for the structure and functions of the plasma and tissue protein alpha1-microglobulin (alpha1m) was investigated by deletion of the sites for N-glycosylation by site-directed mutagenesis (N17,96-->Q). The mutated cDNA was expressed in a baculovirus-insect cell system resulting in a nonglycosylated protein. The biochemical properties of N17,96Q-alpha1m were compared to nonmutated alpha1m, which carries two short non-sialylated N-linked oligosaccharides when expressed in the same system. Both proteins carried a yellow-brown chromophore and were heterogeneous in charge. Circular dichroism spectra and antibody binding indicated a similar overall structure. However, the secretion of N17,96Q-alpha1m was significantly reduced and approximately 75% of the protein were found accumulated intracellularly. The in vitro immunological effects of recombinant nonmutated alpha1m and N17,96Q-alpha1m were compared to the effects of alpha1m isolated from plasma, which is sialylated and carries an additional O-linked oligosaccharide. All three alpha1m variants bound to human peripheral lymphocytes and mouse T cell hybridomas to the same extent. They also inhibited the antigen-stimulated proliferation of peripheral lymphocytes and antigen-stimulated interleukin 2-secretion of T cell hybridomas in a similar manner. After injection of rats intravenously, the blood clearance of recombinant nonmutated and N17,96Q-alpha1m was faster than that of plasma alpha1m. Nonmutated alpha1m was located primarily to the liver, most likely via binding to asialoglycoprotein receptors, and N17,96Q-alpha1m was located mainly to the kidneys. It is concluded that the carbohydrates of alpha1m are important for the secretion and the in vivo turnover of the protein, but not for the structure or immunological properties.

Histologic distribution and biochemical properties of alpha 1-microglobulin in human placenta

PROBLEM

The embryo is protected from immunologic rejection by the mother, possibly accomplished by immunosuppressive molecules located in the placenta. We investigated the distribution and biochemical properties in placenta of the immunosuppressive plasma protein alpha 1-microglobulin.

METHOD OF STUDY

Placental alpha 1-microglobulin was investigated by immunohistochemistry and, after extraction, by electrophoresis, immunoblotting and radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

alpha 1-Microglobulin staining was observed in the intervillous fibrin and in syncytiotrophoblasts, especially at sites with syncytial injury. Strongly stained single cells in the intervillous spaces and variably stained intravillous histiocytes were noted. Solubilization of the placenta-matrix fraction and placenta membrane fraction released predominantly the free form of alpha 1-microglobulin, but, additionally, an apparently truncated form from the placenta-membrane fraction. The soluble fraction of placenta contained two novel alpha 1-microglobulin complexes.

CONCLUSIONS

The biochemical analysis indicates the presence in placenta of alpha 1-microglobulin forms not found in blood. The histochemical analysis supports the possibility that alpha 1-microglobulin may function as a local immunoregulator in the placenta.

A receptor for the lipocalin placental protein 14 on human monocytes

Human placental protein 14 (PP14), a member of the lipocalin structural superfamily, is an abundant amniotic fluid glycoprotein with documented immunoinhibitory activities. While receptors have been characterized for several other lipocalins, none have been reported to date for PP14. In the present study, two-color immunofluorescence and flow cytometry was used to screen peripheral blood mononuclear cell subpopulations for their capacity to engage fluoresceinated recombinant PP14. The tagged PP14 bound strongly in a specific and saturable fashion to CD14+ (monocyte lineage) cells, but not to CD20+ (B cell lineage) or CD3+ (T cell lineage) cells. This binding was both pH- and temperature-sensitive, and was reduced by proteolytic pre-digestion of the cells with trypsin or proteinase K. Scatchard analysis demonstrated a single class of receptors on CD14+ cells, with a K(D) of approximately 1 x 10(-8) and approximately 10-35,000 receptors per cell. These findings constitute the first report of a cell surface-associated binding protein for PP14 and set the stage for exploring the molecular mechanisms of PP14-mediated signaling and immunomodulation.

Receptor for alpha1-microglobulin on T lymphocytes: inhibition of antigen-induced interleukin-2 production

The human plasma protein alpha1-microglobulin (alpha1m) was found to inhibit the antigen-induced interleukin-2 (IL-2) production of two different mouse T-helper cell hybridomas. Alpha1m isolated from human plasma and recombinant alpha1m isolated from baculovirus-infected insect cell cultures had similar inhibitory effects. Flow cytometric analysis showed a binding of plasma and recombinant alpha1m to the T-cell hybridomas as well as to a human T-cell line. Radiolabelled plasma and recombinant alpha1m bound to the T-cell hybridomas in a saturable manner and the binding could be eliminated by trypsination of the cells. The affinity constants for the cell binding were calculated to be 0.4-1 x 10(5) M(-1) using Scatchard plotting, and the number of binding sites per cell was estimated to be 5 x 10(5)-1 x 10(6). The cell-surface proteins of one of the T-cell hybridomas were radiolabelled, the cells lysed and alpha1m-binding proteins isolated by affinity chromatography. SDS-PAGE and autoradiography analysis of the eluate revealed major bands with Mr-values around 70, 35 and 15 kDa. The results thus suggest that alpha1m binds to a specific receptor on T cells and that the binding leads to inhibition of antigen-stimulated IL-2 production by T-helper cells.

Prothrombin, albumin and immunoglobulin A form covalent complexes with alpha1-microglobulin in human plasma

Molecules containing the 33-kDa plasma protein alpha1-microglobulin were isolated from human plasma by anti-(alpha1-microglobulin) affinity chromatography. Five major bands could be seen after electrophoretic separation of the alpha1-microglobulin-containing proteins under native conditions. Immunoblotting demonstrated alpha1-microglobulin in all five bands. Two of these have been described previously: free alpha1-microglobulin and alpha1-microglobulin complexed with IgA (IgA x alpha1-microglobulin). The other three bands were identified as prothrombin alpha1-microglobulin, albumin x alpha1-microglobulin and dimeric alpha1-microglobulin. Prothrombin x alpha1-microglobulin were 1:2 and 1:1 complexes which carried approximately 1% of total alpha1-microglobulin, had molecular masses of about 145 kDa and 110 kDa upon SDS/PAGE and dissociated completely to free alpha1-microglobulin and prothrombin (72 kDa) when reducing agents were added, suggesting that the complexes were stabilized by disulfide bonds. The alpha1-microglobulin molecules did not inhibit cleavage of prothrombin by factor Xa and were bound to the peptides which were released upon activation of prothrombin. Albumin x alpha1-microglobulin, corresponding to 7% of total plasma alpha1-microglobulin, was a mixture between 1:1 and 1:2 complexes, with masses upon SDS/PAGE of approximately 100 kDa and 135 kDa, respectively. Both these complexes dissociated only partially to free alpha1-microglobulin and albumin when reducing agents were added. The albumin x alpha1-microglobulin complexes carried a yellow-brown chromophore similar to free alpha1-microglobulin. The complex-binding to alpha1-microglobulin did not block the fatty-acid-binding ability of albumin. The plasma concentrations of albumin x alpha1-microglobulin and prothrombin x alpha1-microglobulin were estimated to 5.2 mg/l and 1.1 mg/l, respectively.

The lipocalin protein family: structure and function

The lipocalin protein family is a large group of small extracellular proteins. The family demonstrates great diversity at the sequence level; however, most lipocalins share three characteristic conserved sequence motifs, the kernel lipocalins, while a group of more divergent family members, the outlier lipocalins, share only one. Belying this sequence dissimilarity, lipocalin crystal structures are highly conserved and comprise a single eight-stranded continuously hydrogen-bonded antiparallel beta-barrel, which encloses an internal ligand-binding site. Together with two other families of ligand-binding proteins, the fatty-acid-binding proteins (FABPs) and the avidins, the lipocalins form part of an overall structural superfamily: the calycins. Members of the lipocalin family are characterized by several common molecular-recognition properties: the ability to bind a range of small hydrophobic molecules, binding to specific cell-surface receptors and the formation of complexes with soluble macromolecules. The varied biological functions of the lipocalins are mediated by one or more of these properties. In the past, the lipocalins have been classified as transport proteins; however, it is now clear that the lipocalins exhibit great functional diversity, with roles in retinol transport, invertebrate cryptic coloration, olfaction and pheromone transport, and prostaglandin synthesis. The lipocalins have also been implicated in the regulation of cell homoeostasis and the modulation of the immune response, and, as carrier proteins, to act in the general clearance of endogenous and exogenous compounds.

The lipocalin protein family: a role in cell regulation

The lipocalins, a large, diverse, but relatively poorly understood family of small extracellular proteins, are characterized by the ability to bind small hydrophobic molecules, such as retinol, and by their binding to specific cell surface receptors. These general properties suggest such proteins as appropriate transporters transferring biologically hazardous molecules in a safe and controlled manner between cells. Moreover, many lipocalins have been implicated in the regulation of cell homeostasis: apolipoprotein D, quiescience specific protein, purpurin, alpha-1-microglobulin, and NGAL. This combination of direct and indirect evidence suggests that the lipocalin protein family may be involved, in a quite general way, in the mediation of cell regulation and that many presently functionless family members might act in this way.

Isolation and characterization of fibronectin-alpha 1-microglobulin complex in rat plasma

Molecules containing the 28 kDa immunoregulatory protein alpha 1-microglobulin (alpha 1-m), also known as protein HC, were isolated from rat plasma or serum by immunoaffinity chromatography. Three molecular species were distinguished on the basis of nondenaturing PAGE. Two of these have been described previously: uncomplexed alpha 1-m, and the complex of alpha 1-m with alpha 1-inhibitor-3. The third species was analysed by denaturing PAGE, immunoblotting, proteinase digestion and N-terminal-sequence analyses, and shown to consist of a complex between alpha 1-m and fibronectin. This complex, with a mass of about 560 kDa, was resistant to dissociation in the presence of denaturants, but not in the presence of reducing agents in combination with denaturants, and we conclude that the two components are linked by disulphide bonds. About 60% of the total detectable plasma alpha 1-m exists as high-molecular-mass complexes distributed approximately evenly between fibronectin and alpha 1-inhibitor-3. Immunochemical analyses were used to determine the proportion of the total plasma pools of fibronectin and alpha 1-inhibitor-3 that circulate in complex with alpha 1-m. About 3-7% of the total plasma fibronectin from three different rat strains contained alpha 1-m, whereas 0.3-0.8% of the total plasma alpha 1-inhibitor-3 contained alpha 1-m. Complexes were found at similar levels in plasma and serum, indicating that coagulation is not responsible for complex formation. Moreover, immunochemical analyses of human plasma revealed small amounts of alpha 1-m in complex with fibronectin and alpha 2-macroglobulin (an alpha 1-inhibitor-3 homologue). The existence of a complex between alpha 1-m and fibronectin in rats and humans suggests a mechanism for the incorporation of the immunoregulatory molecule alpha 1-m into the extracellular matrix.

Postnatal development of murine spleen cell proliferative responses induced by interleukin 2 or phorbol ester and calcium ionophore A23187

To determine the kinetics of the ontogeny of polygenically controlled proliferative responses, spleen cells from 5, 10 and 20 day-old mice, previously identified as high (B10.PL-Thy-1a, AKR.M) and low (C3H.A) responders were tested. Cells (10(5)) were simulated in vitro with human recombinant IL-2 (35 U), a mixture of either IL-2 (0.7 U) and 13-myristate 12-acetate phorbol (5 ng) or phorbol and calcium ionophore A23187 (5 ng). Two parameters were assessed; proliferation measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation and the synergistic effect expressed as a synergism coefficient (SC): the ratio of proliferation induced by a mixture to the sum of proliferations induced by each component alone. At the age of 5 days, all three strains, regardless of stimulation, produced similar proliferation and showed no synergistic effect (SC = 1.0). At the age of 10 days, proliferation of high responder cells was 3-5 times higher than that of the low responder, but only high responders displayed marginal synergistic effect (2 greater than SC greater than 1.5). At the age of 20 days, proliferative responses of the high responders increased somewhat and a definitive synergistic effect became clearly demonstrable (SC greater than 3.0). This effect increased further after the age of 20 days to reach the level of SC greater than 5.0 in adult high responders. The delay in expression of synergistic effect was due to a substantial proliferation induced by phorbol alone in 10 day-old animals. The available data allow the conclusion that phenotypic strain variation in proliferative responses is first detectable at the age of 10 days and becomes fully developed only after attaining the age of 20 days or more. Since the magnitude of proliferative responses was not associated with frequencies of IL-2R alpha + cells it seems that differences in responsiveness can not be attributed to the induction of IL-2R alpha chain, and they may reflect intrinsic abilities of cells to proliferate.

Characterization of monoclonal anti-alpha 1-microglobulin antibodies: binding strength, binding sites, and inhibition of lymphocyte stimulation

Eleven monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) directed against the immunoregulatory plasma glycoprotein alpha 1-microglobulin were characterized. The MoAb were produced in mice immunized with a mixture of alpha 1-microglobulin homologues from man, guinea pig, rat and rabbit. Using radioimmunoassay, western blotting, affinity chromatography, and Scatchard analysis, the affinities and binding sites of the MoAb were analysed. All antibodies were more or less cross-reactive, but most showed a major specificity for one or two of the alpha 1-microglobulin homologues. None of the antibodies was directed against the carbohydrate moiety of alpha 1-microglobulin. Six of the MoAb had high affinity for the antigen and four of these were directed towards the same part of the molecule though differing in their species specificity. Five showed lower affinity for the antigen and were mainly directed towards epitopes on other parts of the molecule. Only some of the antibodies could block the proliferation of lymphocytes induced by human alpha 1-microglobulin. The blocking efficiency of the different antibodies was similar when tested on the stimulation of human or mouse lymphocytes, suggesting that the same part of the alpha 1-microglobulin molecule is responsible in both species. The magnitude of blocking by the different MoAb was not related to their affinities, emphasizing the importance of where on the alpha 1-microglobulin molecule, rather than how strongly, they bind. The binding of the strongest blocking antibody was shown to be directed to a C-terminal peptide of rat alpha 1-microglobulin, indicating that this part of alpha 1-microglobulin is important for the mitogenic effects. Thus the panel of anti-alpha 1-microglobulin MoAb should be a valuable tool for structural and functional studies of alpha 1-microglobulin.