title: Relationship of human variable region heavy chain germ-line genes to genes encoding anti-DNA autoantibodies.
abstract: In order to identify the V region genes encoding systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-derived anti-DNA autoantibodies, we have determined the nucleotide sequence of heavy chain mRNA from several DNA-binding immunoglobulins secreted by human hybridomas. We used the technique of cDNA primer extension for determining sequences of the VH, D, and JH gene segments of anti-DNA autoantibodies from three different primary hybridoma growths from an SLE patient and one hybridoma from a leprosy patient. Immunoglobulins from two of the SLE hybridomas expressed the same idiotype, Id-16/6, which is also expressed on immunoglobulins in sera of patients with active SLE. Their mRNA sequences showed complete homology to each other in the V, D, and J genes and more than 99% homology to the VH26 germ-line gene sequence, a member of the human VHIII gene family. The VH mRNA sequence of the third SLE hybridoma, 21/28, which was idiotypically unrelated to the other two, was 93% homologous to a different VH germ-line gene sequence, HA2, a member of the human VHI gene family. The fourth anti-DNA-producing hybridoma, 8E10, was derived from a leprosy patient of different ethnic origin than the SLE patient. It was idiotypically related to 21/28 and expressed a VH segment gene identical to that of 21/28. Hybridomas 21/28 and 8E10 shared sequence homology with the VH26 anti-DNA antibodies in the first complementarity-determining region. In addition, 21/28 shared sequence homology with the Id-16/6+ group in the region encoded by the D and J gene segments. Our findings indicate that some SLE autoantibodies are encoded by unmodified or scarcely modified VH germ-line genes that are conserved in the human population and identify two distinct VH germ-line genes that can encode segments of anti-DNA immunoglobulins.
mesh_terms: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000235:genetics*; D001483:Base Sequence; D005803:Genes, Immunoglobulin; D006801:Humans; D006825:Hybridomas / Q000032:analysis; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / Q000235:genetics*; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region / Q000235:genetics*; D007918:Leprosy / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D012689:Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
chemical_list: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D007143:Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region; D012333:RNA, Messenger