Observations on the Structure of Human 7 S γ-Globulin: Studies Using Antisera to Bence Jones Proteins Free

Antisera to 7 S γ-globulin or papain Fragment A-C readily demonstrate cross-reaction between these proteins and BJP's.

However, certain antisera to BJP's precipitate only the BJP's of the same antigenic type, 7 S γ-globulin and 5 S pepsin fragments, but fail to precipitate Fragment C.

The finding that Fragment C from 7 S γ-globulin inhibits precipitation of the native 7 S γ-globulin and BJP suggests that it acts as an “univalent” antigen.

The explanation for this finding appears to be that BJP's and 7 S γ-globulin contain two L chains, whereas papain Fragment C contains only one.