Internal image concept revisited.
Internal image of the antigen represents an essential element of network theory. From theoretical standpoint this concept considers that the idiotypes which are phenotypic markers of variable region of antigen receptor of lymphocytes represent links between the universe of self and foreign antigens and the immune system. This concept had seen rapid practical applications. Ensuing years may see whether these applications are beneficial or rather represent research tools in biological sciences.
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Department of Microbiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York 10029, USA.
D000818:Animals; D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D003429:Cross Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018716:Molecular Mimicry
D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000941:Antigens; D007130:Immunoglobulin Idiotypes