ISSN:
1432-1211
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract We have generated a new series of monoclonal antibodies recognizing allotypic determinants on mouse IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b. In this communication we describe their reactivity at the molecular level. A number of genetic specificities (as defined by reactivity with sera from inbred strains) were divided into subspecificities (allotopes) by these analyses. With the exception of one allotope located in the hinge region of Igh-1 b, all other 23 allotopes examined were preserved upon reduction and alkylation of immunoglobulin antigens. To further analyze the role of immunoglobulin conformation in presenting the allotopes, we assayed their presence on mixed Igh-1a/Igh-4a heavy chain molecules. The Igh-1a determinants were maintained, but the Igh-4a determinants were lost. Taken together, our results indicate that genetic polymorphisms at the Igh loci generate an enormous antigenic complexity, much of which relies on tertiary and quaternary protein structure for expression.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00372465
