title: [Significance of idiotype characteristics in immune hematology].
abstract: It is noteworthy that the beginnings of research on idiotypy in humans have used immunohematological assay systems; Kunkel and coworkers have succeeded in localising idiotypic determinants on Fab fragments of anti Rh(D)-antibodies over 15 years ago. The present contribution follows up on literature devoted to analysis of the significance for idiotypy in immunohaematology. Investigation into idiotypic properties of immunoglobulins is rewarding for both, the exploring scientist and for patient management in autoimmunity and organ transplantation. It appears that autoimmune attack towards such autoantigens as clotting factor VIII and fibrinogen may be downregulated through development of anti-idiotypic antibodies that bind and may block the primary autoantibody. Conversely, post-transfusion and post-transplantation periods in recipients are often followed by development of anti-idiotypic anti-alloantibodies with immunoregulatory (suppressive or enhancing) capacities. This review sets out to analyse the involvement known so far of idiotypic regulatory mechanisms in immunohaematology.
authors: Abteilung für Transfusionsmedizin, Hämatologisches Zentrallabor der Universität, Inselspital Bern.
authors: U E
authors: UE
authors: Nydegger
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Borradori
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D006678:HIV / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007105:Immune Complex Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D007116:Immunization, Passive / Q000379:methods*; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes
vernacular_title: Bedeutung der Idiotypie in der Immunhämatologie.