The leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), the C3bi receptor (CR3) and the p150,95 antigen belong to a family of leukocyte surface molecules consisting of bimolecular complexes with alpha chains of 170 kDa, 165 kDa and 150 kDa, respectively, and a common beta subunit with a mol. mass of 95 kDa. In order to determine the function of the p150,95 antigen on human monocytes and U937 cells, and to study the functional relationship between this antigen and LFA-1 or CR3, we investigated the influence of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed against these cell surface molecules on the adhesive properties of these cells. The observation that anti-beta chain mAb strongly inhibited migration, chemotaxis, adhesion and phagocytosis of monocytic cells indicates a major role for LFA-1 family antigens in monocyte functions. Detailed analysis with a panel of anti-alpha chain antibodies demonstrated that both p150,95 and LFA-1 mediate random migration whereas in contrast, p150,95 and CR3 were shown to be involved in the directed migration of monocytes to f-Met-Leu-Phe. Furthermore, adhesion of monocytes to plastic surfaces or monolayers of endothelial cells as well as phagocytosis of latex particles was mediated by p150,95. The results demonstrate that, in spite of its relative low expression, the p150,95 glycoprotein is a major adhesion-associated molecule expressed by human monocytic cells.