Antigenic analysis of the lymphomata.

Soluble protein extracts of non-Hodgkin's lymphomata are fractionated by Sepharose chromatography. Each protein segregate is tested as a target antigen in immunoelectrophoresis using antiserum prepared by immunization with each fraction and an F and S antiserum of Hodgkin's tumour. F and S antigens are prominent in a histiocytic lymphoma with lymphoid infiltrate and Hodgkin's disease. A monospecific F antiserum is used to determine the stromal distribution of the antigen by immunofluorescence in tumour infiltrates and also to demonstrate F antigen activity in the medulla of the adolescent thymus. Implications of these findings are discussed and a general plan for analysis of the lymphomata outlined.