B7 is an activation antigen expressed on activated B cells and gamma-interferon-stimulated monocytes. The B7 antigen is the natural ligand for CD28 on T cells. After engagement of T-cell receptor with antigen in association with major histocompatibility complex class II, a second signal mediated through the binding of B7 to CD28 greatly upregulates the production of multiple lymphokines. We have now mapped the B7 gene to human chromosome 3 using the technique of polymerase chain reaction on a panel of hamster x human somatic cell hybrid DNAs. We have further localized the gene to 3q13.3-3q21 using in situ hybridization on human metaphase chromosomes. Trisomy of chromosome 3 is a recurrent chromosome change seen in various lymphomas and lymphoproliferative diseases, particularly diffuse, mixed, small, and large cell lymphomas, human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I-induced adult T-cell leukemia, and angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy. A number of chromosomal defects involving 3q21 have been described in acute myeloid leukemia and also in myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative syndromes. The mapping of B7 may permit further insight into disease states associated with aberrant lymphocyte activation and lymphokine synthesis.