1B2 is an IgM monoclonal antibody binding to glycoconjugates bearing the terminal N-acetyllactosamine structure. It agglutinates human erythrocytes. Various cell lines, peripheral blood leucocytes, normal marrow and blast cells from 179 acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and 11 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients were tested for reactivity with 1B2. Myelomonocytic (CFU-GM), erythroid (BFU-E), mixed (CFU-GEMM) and leukaemic (CFU-L) progenitor cells were tested in clonogenic assays. Granulocytes, monocytes, myeloid cell lines and 152 out of 179 AML were positive. All FAB subtypes were equally recognised. Lymphocytes, T-cell and Burkitt's cell lines, and 10 of 11 ALL samples were negative. 1B2 inhibited partially day 7 CFU-GM, whereas it was not toxic for BFU-E, CFU-GEMM and day 14 CFU-GM. Leukaemic clonogenic cells were killed in 33 out of 36 AML (more than 40% growth inhibition). 1B2 identifies the more mature steps of myeloid differentiation. It may be useful in the diagnosis of AML, and is a candidate for remission marrow purging before autologous transplantation.