title: A structural basis for the internal image in the idiotypic network: antibodies against synthetic Ab2-D regions cross-react with the original antigen.
abstract: In the idiotypic cascade initiated by the random terpolymer (Glu60Ala30Tyr10)n or "GAT", we have identified, in the D region of Ab2 antibodies, either Glu-Glu-Tyr or Tyr-Tyr-Glu sequences which mimic GAT immunodominant epitopes, thus suggesting a structural basis for the internal image. Peptides containing the two D-region characteristic sequences were then synthesized and coupled to BSA. In mice, they elicited antibodies, a fraction of which recognized GAT. These observations speak in favour of the localization of an internal image of the GAT antigen in the D region of Ab2 antibodies.
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D003429:Cross Reactions; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010455:Peptides / Q000276:immunology*; D011108:Polymers; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes; D010455:Peptides; D011108:Polymers; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C022204:anti-GAT antibodies, idiotypic; C020749:GAT