Idiotypes as markers for immunoglobulin genes contributing to the production of rheumatoid factors: theoretical and practical implications.
Monoclonal antibodies have been produced that recognise conventionally defined cross-reactive idiotopes (CRI) expressed on rheumatoid factors. However, it is now evident that these "CRI" are markers for variable region sequences encoded by germline V gene segments and, therefore, that most of these reagents recognise isotypic epitopes rather than CRI. The implications of these findings for the identification and manipulation of auto-reactive B cell clones and the definition of regulatory idiotypic networks are discussed.
Jefferis
R
R
Department of Immunology, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK.
D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D000939:Epitopes; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor