Characterization of a platelet membrane protein of low molecular weight associated with platelet activation following binding by monoclonal antibody AG-1

With the exception of the major platelet glycoproteins IIb/IIIa and Ib, which function as receptors for fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor, little is presently known regarding the possible role of other platelet surface proteins in mediating platelet aggregation. We report the production of a murine monoclonal antibody (AG-1) recognizing human platelet membrane surface protein of relatively low molecular weight (mol wt) that may be involved in this process. AG-1 added to human platelet-rich plasma induces dense granule secretion and aggregation, with lag phase and maximal extent of aggregation dependent on antibody concentration. Aggregation induced by AG-1 is inhibited by AG-1 Fab fragments, indicating that the response is not Fc receptor-mediated. Although AG-1 continues to produce platelet shape change in the presence of EDTA, aggregation is fully inhibited and appears to be mediated by fibrinogen binding to glycoproteins IIb/IIIa. AG-1 is a potent stimulus of thromboxane formation, but full inhibition of thromboxane production by 30 mumol/L indomethacin does not significantly inhibit platelet aggregation induced by 25 micrograms/mL AG-1, indicating that aggregation induced by AG-1 may proceed by way of an endoperoxide-independent pathway. Quantitation of AG-1 Fab binding to platelets reveals approximately 65,000 binding sites per platelet. When intact platelets are radioiodinated, immunoprecipitation of NP-40 lysates by AG-1 reveals an intensely labeled protein with an apparent mol wt of approximately 21,000 daltons, and several additional bands in the mol wt range of 22,000 to 28,000 daltons, all sharing the AG-1 epitope. These bands appear to be distinct from glycoprotein IX or from the beta-chains of glycoprotein Ib or IIb. Finally, studies with platelets labeled by the periodate-[3H]borohydride procedure suggest the possibility of complex formation between subpopulations of glycoprotein Ib and the low-mol-wt glycoproteins recognized by AG-1.     

Platelet activation induced by a murine monoclonal antibody directed against a novel tetra-span antigen

MAb 14A2.H1 identifies a novel low-abundance platelet surface antigen, PETA-3, which is a member of the tetra-span (TM4) family. This MAb brings about platelet aggregation and mediator release, which is completely inhibitable by prostaglandin E₁, and partially inhibitable by aspirin and ketanserin. Platelet activation by MAb 14A2.H1 is dependent on interaction with both the platelet Fc receptor, FcγRII, and the specific antigen as it was prevented by either a blocking MAb to FcγRII (IV.3) or F(ab')₂ fragments of 14A2.H1. The extent of platelet activation by the antibody varied considerably between donors, and is believed to reflect the polymorphism of FcγRII. Subaggregating concentrations of 14A2.H1 synergized with other platelet agonists, ADP, adrenaline, collagen and serotonin, indicating signalling via a pathway distinct from these activators. Synergy was also blocked by MAb rv.3, or F(ab')₂ fragments of 14A2.H1. The similar low copy number of PETA-3 and FcγRII in the platelet membrane (approximately 1000/platelet). together with the dependence on FcγRII for activation by MAb 14A2.H1, suggests that PETA-3 may be a component of the FcγRII signal transducing complex in platelets.     

A monoclonal anti-human platelet antibody: a new platelet aggregating substance

A monoclonal anti-human platelet antibody, TP82, is described, which caused irreversible aggregation of platelets in association with the release of adenosine triphosphate or [14C] serotonin, and which inhibited ristocetin-induced agglutination. Immunofluorescence assay showed that the antibody binds to platelets, megakaryocytes, and common acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. The antibody (IgG1) immunoprecipitated a polypeptide of 23,000 daltons with an isoelectric point of about 7.0. The aggregation induced by the purified antibody and/or F(ab')2 fragments occurred in platelet-rich plasma and with washed platelets, but not with formalin-fixed washed platelets. TP82- induced aggregation was completely inhibited by disodium ethylendiaminotetraacetate, diltiazem, W-7, PGE1, and several metabolic inhibitors. At a concentration of apyrase or CP/CPK, which inhibited adenosine 5-diphosphate-induced aggregation. TP82-induced aggregation was only partially affected. Thrombin was not required for the antibody- mediated effects, since two thrombin inhibitors failed to block the reaction. The antibody, at least at a high concentration, induced platelet aggregation by a mechanism almost independent of thromboxane A2 formation, since cyclooxygenase inhibitors had little inhibitory effect on aggregation. TP82 monoclonal antibody is a new platelet- aggregating substance that interacts with a low-molecular-weight binding site on the platelet membrane.     

Inhibition of platelet aggregation by a monoclonal antibody against human fibronectin.

A monoclonal antibody (A3.3) has been generated against human platelet fibronectin (FN). A3.3 reacts with human plasma FN but with no other plasma proteins. A3.3 was found to inhibit thrombin- or ionophore A23187-stimulated aggregation of gel-filtered platelets in a concentration-dependent manner in both an aggregometer assay and a sensitive well plate aggregation assay. The antibody does not block secretion of serotonin. Four other anti-FN monoclonal antibodies that recognize different epitopes on FN than A3.3 does have no effect on platelet aggregation. A3.3 does not block the adhesion of CHO cells to FN-coated surfaces, indicating that it does not bind to the identified cell-binding domain of FN. A3.3 reacts with a 160/140-kDa doublet, known to contain the cell-binding domain, that is produced by digestion of FN with elastase or thermolysin. However, the antibody does not react with lower molecular weight species that also contain the cell-binding domain or with any of the other identified domains of FN. The A3.3 epitope is extremely protease sensitive and the smallest fragment found in any digest that retains reactivity with A3.3 is a 70-kDa peptide produced in low yield by mild thermolytic cleavage of FN. These data suggest that A3.3 defines a functional site present on both the platelet and plasma FN molecule that has a direct role in platelet aggregation.     

Canine megakaryocytopoiesis: analysis utilizing a monoclonal antibody to a 140-kd dog platelet protein

The dog, a convenient and relatively large animal whose size permits repetitive blood and marrow sampling, marrow biopsy, and mechanical apheresis, would be a suitable experimental model for the study of in vivo megakaryocytopoiesis. A monoclonal antibody to a 140-kd dog platelet membrane protein has been developed that reacts with canine megakaryocytes. Using the fluoresceinated derivative of this antibody to identify megakaryocytes and propidium iodide staining to measure relative DNA content, the DNA distribution of megakaryocytes in dog bone marrow or in cultured dog marrow cells could be rapidly assessed by flow cytometry. Normal dogs showed a modal ploidy of 16N (54%), with 17% 8N and 16% 32N. In contrast, dogs made thrombocytopenic by plateletpheresis showed a shift in distribution to higher ploidy cells (36% 32N). The data show that use of a specific marker of megakaryocytes in combination with flow cytometric analysis is an accurate and reproducible method of assessing megakaryocytopoiesis in a convenient and easily manipulable animal model.     

Flow cytometric analysis of changes in cytoskeletal proteins during platelet destruction and activation using a monoclonal antibody against platelet myosin

We developed a new monoclonal antibody directed against platelet myosin (NNKY6-19). Using this antibody, we analyzed platelet cytoskeletal changes related to stimulation with thrombin and to long-term storage. Immunoelectron microscopy showed increased binding of NNKY6-19 to pseudopods and the open canalicular system during treatment with thrombin (0.1 U/ml) and during storage for 7 days. Flow cytometry also showed increased binding to platelets by NNKY6-19 and an antiactin monoclonal antibody during storage. The binding of NNKY6-19 showed an increase greater than that with the antiactin antibody after storage of platelets for 7 days and after thrombin treatment. These findings indicated that the increased binding of NNKY6-19 had some relationship to changes in intracellular myosin and platelet morphology. Thus use of NNKY6-19 allowed analysis of subtle changes related to platelet activation, which differed from those detected by antibodies against platelet glycoproteins or by the antiactin antibody. This antibody appears to provide a simple method for studying changes in platelet cytoskeletal and surface proteins. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Characteristics of a novel rat anti-mouse platelet monoclonal antibody: application to studies of megakaryocytes.

Using murine platelets as an immunogen, a rat monoclonal antibody (designated 4A5) that recognizes only murine blood platelets and marrow megakaryocytes was developed. The extent of binding of 4A5 to platelets was dependent upon their state of activation. Following phorbol ester, ionophore, or thrombin stimulation of resting platelets, a decrease of > 50% in the binding of 4A5 was observed by flow cytometry. This decrease in antibody binding to the platelets was accompanied by an increase in antibody released into the platelet-free supernatant following platelet activation. When platelets were first radioiodinated, followed by activation and incubation of the platelet-free supernatant with 4A5-derivatized beads, no precipitable counts were observed compared with control resting platelets. This suggests that antibody release was related to an activation-dependent conformational change in the 4A5 epitope. Following solubilization of biotinylated platelets, 4A5 bound to an 80-kd membrane protein. Immunohistochemical studies with 4A5 showed that megakaryocytes could be identified both in vitro and ex vivo. When marrow was first stained histochemically with 4A5 followed by staining for acetylcholinesterase, the distribution of stained cells was similar. Flow cytometric analysis using 4A5 and propidium iodide showed that the antibody could be used to identify megakaryocytes for ploidy analysis in vivo or in vitro. 4A5 was capable of inducing a moderate thrombocytopenia in mice compared with polyclonal anti-platelet serum. When bound to plastic or to magnetic beads, 4A5 could be used to purify murine megakaryocytes to homogeneity. The data suggest that monoclonal antibody 4A5 will be useful in quantitative studies of murine platelets and megakaryocytes.     

Exposure of platelet fibrinogen receptors by a monoclonal antibody to CD9 antigen

We found that a monoclonal antibody to CD9 antigen, PMA2, induces fibrinogen binding to platelets and examined the mechanism for this. That PMA2 recognized the CD9 antigen was confirmed by its immunoblot-reactivity with a 24,000-dalton protein, reactivity with platelets and common acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells, and competitive binding with the ALB6 antibody known as the CD9 antibody. At saturation, PMA2 bound to approximately 46,000 sites per platelet. The binding of 125I-fibrinogen to platelets occurred in a PMA2 concentration-dependent manner and was blocked by EDTA or an anti-glycoprotein (GP)IIb-IIIa monoclonal antibody. PMA2-stimulated platelets caused ATP secretion and thromboxane B2 synthesis under non-stirred conditions. The role of secreted ADP and thromboxane in fibrinogen-binding and subsequent platelet aggregation was studied using creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase (CP/CPK) and aspirin. CP/CPK or aspirin alone reduced fibrinogen binding to 20% to 30%; however, this binding was sufficient to support full platelet aggregation. Combined treatment with CP/CPK and aspirin abolished fibrinogen binding and aggregation. These results demonstrate that the binding of IgG molecules to the CD9 antigen exposes fibrinogen receptors through both secreted ADP and thromboxane and that either one of both can expose the receptors to an extent sufficient to aggregate platelets.     

Reversal of immune thrombocytopenia in mice by cross-linking human immunoglobulin G with a high-affinity monoclonal antibody

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIgs) are used to treat an increasing number of autoimmune diseases, but their exact mechanism of action remains unknown. This study showed that cross-linking of human IgG present in IVIg preparations using a mouse monoclonal anti-human IgG generated complexes that prevented or reversed thrombocytopenia in mice more efficiently than IVIg. Furthermore, biologically active complexes were obtained simply by adding the monoclonal antibody to human serum. These results suggest the possible development of an IVIg-free substitute through the ex vivo, and possibly in vivo, formation of immune complexes containing autologous IgG of immune thrombocytopenic purpura patients.     

Flow cytometric platelet enumeration utilizing monoclonal antibody CD42a

Summary We investigated a flow cytometric method with monoclonal antibody CD42a as a potential reference method for platelet enumeration by blood count analysers. Using peripheral blood samples from 25 healthy individuals we obtained significant (P < 0.0001) correlations between the results obtained by a FACScan method and similar cell counters (TOA Medical Electronics, Kobe, Japan): r = 0.960 (FACScan vs SSF), r = 0.958 (FACScan vs SE-9000A,B), r = 0.949 (FACScan vs K-4500A) and r = 0.954 (FACScan vs K-4500B). This flow cytometric method for counting platelets using the monoclonal antibody CD42a can be used to check the calibration of the platelet count by blood cell analysers.     

Medullary thyroid carcinomas express chromogranin A and a novel neuroendocrine protein recognized by monoclonal antibody HISL-19

PURPOSE AND METHODS: A number of endocrine peptides and proteins are expressed by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The expression of two newly appreciated neuroendocrine tumor markers, chromogranin A (CgA) and the endocrine antigen defined by monoclonal antibody HISL-19, was determined in 14 MTCs by immunohistology to evaluate the clinical utility of these markers in the diagnosis of MTC. Papillary, follicular, and undifferentiated thyroid tumors were also evaluated along with an MTC cell line. The same tissues were evaluated with antibodies to human calcitonin. RESULTS: All human calcitonin antibodies were found to react with the MTCs. In addition, all MTCs were reactive for CgA and the antigen detected by antibody HISL-19. CgA was generally present in the human calcitonin-containing cells, whereas the HISL-19 antigen had a more distinctive distribution. The other thyroid tumors failed to show reactivity with any of the three antibodies. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that, in addition to human calcitonin, MTCs commonly express CgA and the antigen defined by antibody HISL-19. Our observations thus add to the repertoire of endocrine substances produced by MTC. These studies also demonstrate the clinical value of immunohistologic procedures for two novel antigens in distinguishing MTCs from other thyroid tumors.     

Blood-brain barrier protein recognized by monoclonal antibody.

An IgG1 mouse monoclonal antibody produced in response to immunization with rat brain homogenate reacted with endothelial cells in the central and peripheral nervous system. Because antibody reactivity was associated with endothelia that have a selective permeability barrier, the antibody was called anti-endothelial-barrier antigen (anti-EBA). Paraffin sections of Bouins'-fixed rat tissue were used for initial screening and subsequent characterization of antibody reactivity. The antibody was generally unreactive with endothelial cells in other organs and with nonendothelial cells in or outside of the nervous system. Antibody binding was greatly reduced or absent in endothelia of the area postrema and choroid plexus, sites known to possess fenestrated blood vessels. In developing rat brain, anti-EBA binding to some microvessels was seen at 3 days postnatally. Anti-EBA reactivity outside the nervous system occurred in spleen and skin. Patchy reaction with portions of some spleen blood vessels and binding to some cells in the spleen were observed. In the skin, small cells, tentatively identified as Langerhans cells, which participate in Ia presentation, were stained. On immunoblots of rat brain microvessel preparations electrophoresed in Na-DodSO4/polyacrylamide gels, anti-EBA reacted with a protein triplet of Mr 30,000, 25,000, and 23,500 components.     

A cytotoxic monoclonal antibody detecting a novel B cell membrane antigen expressed predominantly on cells bearing surface membrane immunoglobulin

A new human B lymphocyte membrane antigen, CB2, has been detected by a mouse monoclonal IgM antibody. CB2 appears to be predominantly expressed on normal and malignant cells expressing surface membrane immunoglobulin (SmIg). By indirect immunofluorescence, the number of CB2-positive cells in normal peripheral blood correlated well with the number of SmIg-positive cells. Cytotoxicity studies on isolated cell populations showed that CB2 was present on normal B cells isolated from the spleens of 52 donors and on peripheral blood B cells from 8 donors. Monocytes, T cells, granulocytes, platelets, and red cells were CB2 negative. Only malignant cells expressing SmIg were positive. These included B-CLL, B lymphoma, prolymphocytic leukemia, and B lymphoma cell lines Daudi, Raji, and Conception. SmIg-negative leukemia cells, such as common acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia, and T cell leukemias, were negative. Blocking studies with human immunoglobulin suggests that the CB2 antigen is not directed against immunoglobulin determinants. Immunoperoxidase studies on normal lymph node sections show that CB2-positive cells are predominantly present in the mantle region of the follicle, whereas B1- positive cells are mainly in the germinal center.     

Inhibition of cell surface mediated plasminogen activation by a monoclonal antibody against alpha-Enolase

Localization of plasmin activity on leukocyte surfaces plays a critical role in fibrinolysis as well as in pathological and physiological processes in which cells must degrade the extracellular matrix in order to migrate. The binding of plasminogen to leukocytic cell lines induces a 30- to 80-fold increase in the rate of plasminogen activation by tissue-type (tPA) and urokinase-type (uPA) plasminogen activators. In the present study we have examined the role of alpha-enolase in plasminogen activation on the cell surface. We produced and characterized a monoclonal antibody (MAb) 11G1 against purified alpha-enolase, which abrogated about 90% of cell-dependent plasminogen activation by either uPA or tPA on leukocytoid cell lines of different lineages: B-lymphocytic, T-lymphocytic, granulocytic, and monocytic cells. In addition, MAb 11G1 also blocked enhancement of plasmin formation by peripheral blood neutrophils and monocytes. In contrast, MAb 11G1 did not affect plasmin generation in the presence of fibrin, indicating that this antibody did not interact with fibrinolytic components in the absence of cells. These data suggest that, although leukocytic cells display several molecules that bind plasminogen, alpha-enolase is responsible for the majority of the promotion of plasminogen activation on the surfaces of leukocytic cells.     

Circulating immunoglobulin G1 antibody in patients with ulcerative colitis against the colonic epithelial protein detected by a novel monoclonal antibody.

Autoimmunity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Several studies have shown amplified immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibody response in UC; however the immunoreactive antigen(s) is unknown. To study this antigen(s), mucosal colonic extract was prepared by sonication, ultracentrifugation followed by ion exchange chromatography in fast protein liquid chromatography. The fraction (enriched colonic peptide), that was most reactive to a novel monoclonal antibody, 7E12H12 (IgM isotype), was isolated and used to examine the immunoreactivity against the patients' serum samples. Two hundred and thirteen coded samples from 111 patients with UC (symptomatic and untreated (63), symptomatic and treated (26), remission (22)); 47 with Crohn's disease (CD) (40 were symptomatic and untreated, and 30 had colonic disease); 29 with acute diarrhoea caused by specific pathogen(s); 10 with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 16 normal subjects were examined against the enriched colonic peptide by IgG subtype specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Total IgG antibody reactivity was significantly (p < 0.01) higher only in symptomatic and untreated UC patients compared with each of the non-UC group, but the sensitivity was only 50%. IgG2 and IgG3 reactivities were not different among various groups. The IgG1 antibody reactivity against the enriched colonic peptide, however, differentiated UC patients from CD and each of the other non-UC groups. Seventy nine per cent of the patients with UC, treated or untreated, symptomatic or in remission, had significantly (p < 0.0001) higher IgG1 antibody against the enriched colonic peptide when compared with each of the other non-UC groups. Only 12% of CD serum samples and none of the other control serum samples reacted. Using purified serum IgG1 and 7E12H12-IgM, by 7E12H12 reactive peptide indeed reacts with UC-IgG1 antibody but not with control IgG1.     

A monoclonal antibody to a 67 kD cell membrane glycoprotein directly induces persistent platelet aggregation independently of granule secretion

The transition from reversible to persistent platelet aggregation has been difficult to study because of interference both from preceding primary aggregation and from the events associated with granule secretion during secondary aggregation. As a result it remains unclear whether the persistence of aggregation involves some secretion-independent specific platelet surface reactions. Here we show that a monoclonal antibody (MAb), LeoAl, against a newly described 67 kD platelet membrane glycoprotein induced active platelet aggregation consisting of two distinct phases. The first secretion-independent phase was in several respects (extracellular protein, divalent cation, and pH dependence) different from primary aggregation, but closely resembled the transition from primary to secondary aggregation observed at certain concentrations of physiological agonists. The second, faster phase was indistinguishable from secretion-dependent aggregation to various stimulants. It was shown that p67, GPIIb-IIIa and FC gamma RII are all involved in the observed aggregation, probably through their close topographical association. It is suggested that LeoAl-induced aggregation can be used as a model to study the receptors, ligands and metabolic pathways specifically involved in the transition from reversible to persistent platelet aggregation.     

Inhibition of platelet functions by a monoclonal antibody (LYP20) directed against a granule membrane glycoprotein (GMP-140/PADGEM)

Granule membrane protein (GMP-140), also known as platelet activation-dependent granule-external membrane (PAD-GEM) is an integral membrane glycoprotein that is expressed on the platelet surface following degranulation. GMP-140, also expressed by endothelial cells, is part of a new family of cell adhesion molecules (selectins) related to the endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule (ELAM-1) and to the lymphocyte homing receptors in humans (Leu-8/TQ1) and in mouse (gp90MEL-14). The role of GMP-140 in platelet functions remains to be elucidated. In this study, a monoclonal antibody, LYP20, was raised against GMP-140. LYP20, directed against a disulphide bridge-dependent epitope, significantly binds to thrombin-stimulated platelets (12,200 +/- 1,184 bound molecules/platelet, kd = 5.0 +/- 0.61 nmol/L) compared with controls (2,400 +/- 266 molecules/platelet, kd = 2.3 +/- 0.54 nmol/L) and inhibits collagen or thrombin-induced aggregation of washed platelets or platelets in platelet-rich plasma. In addition, LYP20 inhibits rosetting of thrombin-activated platelets to U937 cells. These results strongly suggest that GMP-140 plays an important role in platelet aggregation and platelet interaction with other blood cells.     

Phosphorylation of platelet actin-binding protein during platelet activation

In this study we have followed the 32P-labeling of actin-binding protein as a function of platelet activation. Utilizing polyacrylamide- sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis to resolve total platelet protein samples, we found 2--3-fold labeling increases in actin-binding protein 30--60 sec after thrombin stimulation. Somewhat larger increases were observed for 40,000 and 20,000 apparent molecular weight peptides. The actin-binding protein was identified on the gels by coelectrophoresis with purified actin-binding protein, its presence in cytoskeletal cores prepared by detergent extraction of activated 32P- labeled platelets, and by direct immunoprecipitation with antibodies against guinea pig vas deferens filamin (actin-binding protein). In addition, these cytoskeletal cores indicated that the 32P-labeled actin- binding protein was closely associated with the activated platelet's cytoskeleton. Following the 32P-labeling of actin-binding protein over an 8-min time course revealed that in aggregating platelet samples rapid dephosphorylation to almost initial levels occurred between 3 and 5 min. A similar curve was obtained for the 20,000 apparent molecular weight peptide. However, rapid dephosphorylation was not observed if platelet aggregation was prevented by chelating external calcium or by using thrombasthenic platelets lacking the aggregation response. Thus, cell-cell contact would seem to be crucial in initiating the rapid dephosphorylation response.     

Inhibition of zymosan activation of human neutrophil oxidative metabolism by a mouse monoclonal antibody

We have studied a neutrophil-specific murine monoclonal antibody, PMN7C3 (IgG3), which specifically alters PMN oxidative metabolism stimulated by serum-opsonized zymosan (STZ) or Candida albicans (STC). Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) exposed to PMN7C3 show a significant depression in O2- release (52.8% +/- 2.5% of control), H2O2 release (44.4% +/- 6.0% of control), and O2 consumption (73.9% +/- 2.6% of control) in response to STZ. O2 release in response to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was modestly reduced (78.4% +/- 3.7%) by PMN7C3 treatment, but not to the extent seen with STZ or STC. PMN7C3 did not affect O2 release by PMNs stimulated by zymosan opsonized with IgG or by S. aureus, A 23187, or FMLP. PMN7C3 was not cytotoxic, did not trigger oxidative metabolism when used as a stimulus, did not alter STZ- induced degranulation, and did not interfere with binding or uptake of STZ by PMNs. Exposure of PMNs to PMN7C3 decreased PMN rosette formation with erythrocytes coated with C3b (54% of control) or C3bi (63% of control), but had no affect on rosette formation with IgG-coated erythrocytes. PMN7C3 does not bind to monocytes and had no affect on rosette formation by this cell type. Binding of antibody PMN7C3 to the neutrophil surface inhibits the oxidative response to opsonized STZ or STC, possibly in part by altering the function or expression of C3b and C3bi receptors. Monoclonal antibodies such as PMN7C3 provide highly specific probes that may be used to define the molecular features of the stimulus-coupled response of PMN activation.     

The murine monoclonal antibody, 14A2.H1, identifies a novel platelet surface antigen

A murine monoclonal antibody 14A2.H1, raised against acute myeloid leukaemia cells, identifies a previously undescribed 27 kDa platelet surface glycoprotein which is expressed at low copy number (10(3)/platelet). MAb 14A2.H1 caused aggregation of platelets which was dependent on Fc gamma RII. Binding of the antibody to platelets was not altered by activation by thrombin or phorbol ester. In haemopoietic cell populations the antibody bound to megakaryocytes, monocytes (weakly), several myeloid leukaemic cell lines and fresh myeloid leukaemic blasts from some patients. Lymphocytes, lymphoid cell lines, neutrophils and haemopoietic progenitor cells were negative. Expression of the antigen was not restricted to haemopoietic cells as epithelial cells in tonsillar crypts and endothelial cells were positive.