Idiotypic interactions between rheumatoid factors and other antibodies.
An internal network of antibody idiotypes and anti-idiotypes has been considered important in controlling the production of antibodies reactive with exogenous antigens, and a current hypothesis proposes that some autoantibodies may be auto-anti-idiotypes. RF is often associated with bacterial (notably streptococcal) infections, as well as occurring in RA. Experimental animals immunised with streptococcal cell wall peptidoglycan-polysaccharide (PG-PS) complexes produce serum RF-like antibodies. In addition, repeated immunisation of mice with isolated IgM- or IgG-RF also produces an anti-PG-PS response, indicating that RF could act as an anti-idiotype to anti-PG-PS. Serum antibodies reactive with streptococcal PG-PS occur frequently in RA, and are notably of the IgG2 subclass.
Johnson
P M
PM
Department of Immunology, University of Liverpool, UK.
Smalley
H B
HB
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010457:Peptidoglycan / Q000276:immunology; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000276:immunology; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000276:immunology*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000378:metabolism
D000906:Antibodies; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes; D010457:Peptidoglycan; D011134:Polysaccharides; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor