Structural Differences in the Hinge Region of Human Gamma A Myeloma Proteins of Different Subclasses

THE two antigenic subclasses of human γA myeloma proteins that have been identified are γA₁ and γA₂ (refs. 1-3). H—H interchain disulphide bonds are present in molecules of both subclasses, but H—L interchain disulphide bonds are present only in γA₁ proteins and the minor allotype of γA₂, Am 2–(ref. 4). Light chains of Am 2+ γA proteins occur as disulphide bonded dimers non-covalently linked to the heavy chains⁵.