title: The relationship between variable region determinants and antigen specificity on mitogen reactive B cell subsets.
abstract: On the basis of previous frequency determinations we could set up large numbers of cultures, each containing less than one competent precursor B cell specific for beta-galactosidase or for each of three idiotopes previously found on a monoclonal anti-beta-galactosidase antibody. Cultures were polyclonally activated by either lipopolysaccharide or Nocardia-delipidated cell mitogen. Each culture supernatant was individually tested for hemagglutination activity against sheep erythrocytes coupled with beta-galactosidase or with each of the three purified monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies. The results showed that only a minority of those clones positive for only one or two idiotopes recognized antigen. However, all those clones simultaneously positive for the three V region determinants recognized beta-galactosidase. The implications of these results for our understanding of the relationship between the antigen-binding site and idiotope expression are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D001666:Binding Sites, Antibody / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes; D006386:Hemagglutination Tests; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes / Q000276:immunology*; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region / Q000276:immunology*; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D001616:beta-Galactosidase / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000939:Epitopes; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D008934:Mitogens; D001616:beta-Galactosidase