An Antigenic Determinant Common to Lymphocytes and Langerhans Cells of the Guinea Pig

A mouse anti-guinea pig monoclonal antibody, designated MSgp 2, was derived by the fusion of NS-1 myeloma cells with mouse splenocytes hyperimmunized with guinea pig B cells. MSgp 2 reacts with an antigen present on the majority of lymphocytes. An unexpected finding was the expression of the MSgp 2 antigen on epidermal Langerhans cells, as defined by cell morphology, expression of MHC class II antigen and presence of Birbeck granules in positive cells. It is suggested that the tissue distribution of MSgp 2 antigen on lymphocytes of the lymph node could indicate a role for this determinant in cell migration.