ISSN:
1365-3083
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
This study explores the usage and diversity of the variable gene elements expressed by human lupus antibodies to DNA bearing the 0–81 idiotype, a marker of pathogenic anti-DNA autoantibodies. Rather than studying DNA-specific clonotypes from different patients, a panel of idiotype positive anti-DNA autoantibody-secreting clones from a single individual were analysed. By cloning and nucleotide-sequeneing the heavy-chain variable gene segments, evidence was found for dominance of clonotypic patterns. Also noted was a high rate of diversification among the variable (VH), diversity (Dh) and junctional (JH) gene segments utilized, with a pattern of mutations indicative of antigenic selection. These features suggest that the clones secreting the lupus pathogenic autoantibodies have been selected over multiple generations through an affinity-maturation process that is reminiscent of antigen-driven immune responses.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3083.1994.tb03356.x
