Mapping of surface structures of electrophorus acetylcholine receptor using monoclonal antibodies.

Forty monoclonal antibodies to acetylcholine receptor from the electric organs of Electrophorus electricus have been characterized by immunoglobulin isotype, affinity for receptor, and specificity for species, subunit, and determinants within subunits. Using these antibodies, nine immunogenic regions on the receptor molecule were distinguished. Most of these are species specific, and are located on various subunits of the acetylcholine receptor. The least species-specific region forms the "main immunogenic region" (MIR). Most monoclonal antibodies and most antibodies in conventional antisera are directed at this region. The MIR is located on the extracellular surface of the alpha subunits and is homologous to the MIR which we previously described on Torpedo californica receptor. An homologous MIR is also a characteristic feature of receptor from mammalian muscle. The possible immunological and structural significance of the MIR is discussed.