title: [Idiotypes and the idiotypic network].
abstract: The variable regions of immunoglobulins express their own antigenetic determinants, the idiotopes (id) which, together, make up the idiotype. Idiotypes can be formed by the antigen-combining site itself, or lie out of its reach. They are encoded by germ-line, rearranged or mutated genes. Each id is under the control of anti-id antibody and behaves as the internal image of the antigen. The id-network is, most probably, incomplete, since each anti-id is degenerate and able to recognize several id. The Jerne's hypothesis has therefore been modified with the introduction of new concepts, such as regulatory or complementary id and parallel sets of id. The id and anti-id responses oscillate about one another, following immunization. These findings must be taken into account when hypothesizing on the physiopathology of autoimmunity. They have been put into practice to manipulate immune response, and consequently to design new vaccines and to treat patients with beta lymphocyte malignancies.
authors: Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Centre hospitalier régional et universitaire, Brest.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Youinou
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000276:immunology*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000939:Epitopes; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes
vernacular_title: Idiotypes et réseau idiotypique.