Combinatorial association of V genes: one VH gene codes for three non-cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies each specific for a different antigen (phoxazolone, NP or gat).
Two anti-phenyloxazolone (phOx3) and one anti-GAT MAbs from C57BL mice are shown to be coded by VH gene 186.2. This gene has been found earlier to code for several anti-NP (NNP) antibodies (Bothwell et al., 1981) and anti-GT antibodies (Rocca-Serra et al., 1983; Carmack and Pincus, 1986). The L chain partner of the VH 186.2 gene is different in anti-NP and anti-GAT antibodies (Bothwell et al., 1981; Rocca-Serra et al., 1983; Carmack and Pincus, 1986); in anti-phOx antibodies two new unrelated kappa chain V regions were found. Both of the new VK genes involved code frequently for anti-phOx antibodies in BALB/c mice but then with different VH genes. We tested five 186.2-coded antibodies for cross-reactions. Four antibodies were specific, one bound only to NNP, one only to phOx and two only to GT (GAT). The fifth antibody (anti-phOx) bound also to NNP, GAT and ABA-HOP though probably with a low affinity. This is the first demonstration that one V gene can code for three different antibody specificities. It emphasizes the role of the combinatorial element in antibody diversity.
Kaartinen
M
M
Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Rocca-Serra
J
J
Mäkelä
O
O
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000235:genetics*; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D001483:Base Sequence; D005803:Genes, Immunoglobulin; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009596:Nitrophenols / Q000276:immunology; D010081:Oxazolone / Q000276:immunology; D010455:Peptides / Q000276:immunology; D010648:Phenylacetates; D011108:Polymers; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region; D009596:Nitrophenols; D010455:Peptides; D010648:Phenylacetates; D011108:Polymers; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C026242:4-hydroxy-5-nitrophenyl acetic acid; D010081:Oxazolone; C020749:GAT