Expression of a cross-reactive idiotope on naturally occurring murine antibodies against 3-fucosyllactosamine, levan, and dextran

We recently identified a cross-reactive Id (6C4) that is expressed on the H chain of many BALB/c mAb against the 3-fucosyllactosamine (3-FL) determinant, Gal(beta 1-4) (Fuc(alpha 1-3] GlcNAc-R. The VH segments of seven mAb that we recently sequenced are encoded by VH441, which also encodes VH segments of antibodies against galactan, levan, and dextran. To analyze the expression of the 6C4 Id on naturally occurring anti-carbohydrate antibodies, we isolated 6C4+ antibodies by affinity chromatography from pools of normal BALB/c serum. Approximately 20 to 30% of antibodies against 3-FL and levan, and all antibodies against dextran, were removed from the sera by passage over a column containing mAb 6C4. Absorption of the eluate with 3-FL beads removed anti-3-FL antibodies but not anti-dextran or anti-levan. The expression of a cross-reactive Id on naturally occurring antibodies against several carbohydrate Ag suggests that these antibodies may participate in an Id network. We also reported previously that BALB/c mice have naturally occurring anti-3-FL antibodies and respond well to immunization against this determinant, whereas C57BL/6 mice do neither. To examine the role of the Igh-C allotype in the regulation of the anti-3-FL response, we studied congenic strains of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Both congenic strains produced anti-3-FL antibodies in response to immunization, but only C.B-20 mice exhibited naturally occurring antibodies. These data suggest that the naturally occurring and elicited antibody responses against 3-FL are differentially regulated.     

Idiotypic determinants of monoclonal antibodies that bind to 3-fucosyllactosamine

Many monoclonal antibodies that react with the lacto-N-fucopentaose III (LNF III) antigenic determinant, Gal beta 1-4(Fuc alpha 1-3)GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc, have been described recently. The terminal trisaccharide of this determinant, fucosyllactosamine, is present on glycolipids and glycoproteins and on the surface of granulocytes, monocytes, and other cells. To study the structural and genetic diversity of these antibodies, syngeneic anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibodies were produced in BALB/c mice against PMN 6, a monoclonal antibody directed against this sequence. Anti-idiotypic antibodies 6B1 and 6C4 reacted with 50% of a panel of 20 anti-LNF III monoclonal antibodies, whereas 6A3 reacted strongly only with PMN 6. This indicates that the determinants recognized by 6C4 and 6B1 represent major cross-reactive idiotopes of this family of antibodies. The binding of idiotypic antibodies to a glycolipid bearing this antigenic determinant was completely inhibited by the three anti-idiotypic antibodies, 6A3, 6B1, and 6C4. The idiotopes could be demonstrated on the heavy chain of the monoclonal antibodies by an antibody transfer technique when mild reducing conditions were employed, but a high concentration of reducing agent destroyed the idiotypic determinants. This suggests that the anti-idiotypic antibodies recognize conformational structures expressed on the heavy chain molecules. The binding of 18 monoclonal antibodies to two glycolipid antigens and to a fucosyllactosamine-bovine serum albumin conjugate was compared. Antibodies that possessed the 6C4 cross-reactive idiotope bound to fucosyllactosamine-bovine serum albumin more weakly than idiotype-negative antibodies (p = 0.001). This suggests that the 6C4-positive antibodies might represent germline structures.     

Expression and regulation of two idiotype families and subsets within an idiotype family among BALB/c antibodies against p-azophenylarsonate

The expression and regulation of the two different idiotype (id) families associated with the anti-p-azophenylarsonate (Ar) antibodies of BALB/c mice were examined. Both families ( 5AF6 and 3C6 ) represented cross-reactive idiotypes (CRI) expressed in the anti-Ar of most individual BALB/c mice. In response to keyhole limpet hemocyanin-Ar, an average of about 28% of BALB/c anti-Ar had 5AF6 family idiotopes, while 3C6 family was expressed on about 16% of BALB/c anti-Ar antibodies. Suppression induced by anti-idiotype treatment against one family did not suppress the expression of the other family, suggesting that the two families were regulated independently. However, the relative expression of one family could influence the expression of the other, because depression of the 5AF6 family tended to increase the expression of the 3C6 family of anti-Ar. Analysis of the 5AF6 family showed that a majority of BALB/c mice produced antibodies bearing most or all of the idiotopes associated with the family, but that a subset of about 35% of the antibodies synthesized lacked idiotopes associated with a monoclonal anti-Ar member of this family, 2.4. Treatment of mice with anti-idiotypes prepared against two different monoclonal anti-Ar of the 5AF6 family produced different effects: one enhanced while the other suppressed idiotype expression, suggesting that there are differences in the idiotopes associated with these two regulatory pathways. Additionally, results indicated that subsets of antibodies within the 5AF6 idiotype family could be regulated independently of each other.     

High idiotypic connectivity of the VH7183-encoded antibodies directed to a murine embryonic carbohydrate antigen, Lewis Y, as ascertained by syngenic anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies

The Lewis Y Ag is a carbohydrate Ag which is closely related to a well-known murine embryonic Ag, the stage-specific embryonic Ag-1 (SSEA-1), in its biochemical structure. It is expressed at the surface of murine embryonic cells as well as many murine cancer cells. For the analysis of idiotopes carried by the anti-Lewis Y antibodies, we generated two syngenic anti-idiotypic mAb, Id-A1 and Id-B4 (both BALB/c IgG1), which are directed to the idiotypic determinants carried by the anti-Lewis Y mAb, AH-6 (BALB/c IgM). Both Id-A1 and Id-B4 (Ab2) recognized paratope-related idiotopes carried by the AH-6 antibody (Ab1); they specifically inhibited the binding of AH-6 to the Lewis Y Ag. The high idiotypic connectivity of anti-Lewis Y antibodies was noted; the polyclonal anti-idiotype antibody, produced in the sera of BALB/c mice by immunizing AH-6 antibody, cross-reacted with several anti-Lewis Y mAb which has been established in different laboratories. Id-B4 and Id-A1 seem to represent such cross-reactive anti-idiotypic antibodies. Id-A1 recognized an idiotope carried by two out of six panel Ab1 mAb directed to the Lewis Y Ag. Id-B4 reacted with four out of the six panel antibodies, and was considered to recognize a recurrent idiotope of anti-Lewis Y antibodies which occurs more commonly than the idiotope recognized by Id-A1. All of the anti-Lewis Y antibodies which carry idiotopes that react with Id-A1 or Id-B4 were encoded by the VH genes of the VH7183 family; the most D-J proximal VH gene family in BALB/c mice, which is known to be preferentially expressed in embryonic B cells. Immunization of BALB/c mice with keyhole limpet hemocyanin-conjugated Id-B4 and/or Id-A1 induced a significant titer of anti-Lewis Y antibodies (Ab1-like Ab3) in the sera.     

Induction of neutralizing antibody in mice against poliovirus type II with monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody

Syngeneic monoclonal anti-idiotope antibody Ab2,2-17C3SCC was raised against an idiotope on a protective monoclonal antibody with specificity for poliovirus type II. Ab2,2-17C3SCC detects a paratope-related interspecies IdX. Ab2,2-17C3SCC purified from supernatant fluids of hybridoma cells by protein A-Sepharose was injected into 4- to 6-wk-old BALB/c mice. The sera of the mice were screened for the expression of antibodies bearing the corresponding idiotope. Immunization of mice with Ab2,2-17C3SCC induced antibodies of complementary specificity. Furthermore, micro VN tests suggest that Ab2,2-17C3SCC can substitute for antigen in the induction of anti-polio neutralizing antibodies, and hence can function as a monoclonal anti-idiotypic vaccine.     

Idiotype vaccines against human T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. I. Generation and characterization of biologically active monoclonal anti-idiotopes

A murine monoclonal anti-tumor antibody termed SN2 (Ab1), isotype IgG1-kappa, that defines a unique human T cell leukemia-associated cell-surface glycoprotein, gp37 (m.w. 37,000), was used to generate monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies (Ab2) in syngeneic BALB/c mice. The Ab2 were screened on the basis of their binding to the F(ab')2 fragments of SN2 and not to the F(ab')2 of pooled normal BALB/c mice sera IgG1 or to an unrelated BALB/c monoclonal antibody of the same isotype. Fifteen Ab2, obtained from two fusions, were specific for the SN2 idiotope and not against isotype or allotype determinants. To find out whether these Ab2 are directed against the paratope of SN2, the binding of radiolabeled SN2 to leukemic MOLT-4 and JM cells which contain gp37 as a surface constituent was studied in the presence of these anti-idiotopes. Clone 4EA2 inhibited the binding 100% at a concentration of 50 ng and 4DC6 inhibited 90% at a concentration of 250 ng. A third clone 4DD6 gave about 50% inhibition. Similar was the inhibition of SN2 binding to insolubilized MOLT-4 antigen or cell membrane preparation. The binding of SN2 (Ab1) to 4EA2 and 4DC6 was also inhibited by semipurified preparation of gp37 antigen. These results demonstrate that at least two of the anti-idiotope antibodies are binding either at or near the binding site idiotope of SN2. Next, the purified Ab2 was used to immunize syngeneic mice to induce antibody binding to MOLT-4 cells or gp37. Sera from mice immunized with 4EA2 and 4DC6 coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin contained antibodies which bind to semipurified gp37 antigen and MOLT-4 cells. Immune sera inhibited the binding of iodinated Ab2 and Ab1 indicating that an anti-anti-idiotopic antibody (Ab3) in mice shares idiotopes with Ab1 (SN2). Also, the binding of iodinated Ab2 to Ab1 was inhibited by rabbit antisera specific for gp37. Collectively, these data suggest that anti-idiotype antibodies 4EA2 and 4DC6 may be useful in the generation of idiotype vaccines against human T cell leukemia.     

Sequences of the VH and VL regions of murine monoclonal antibodies against 3-fucosyllactosamine

Many mAb that bind the carbohydrate antigenic determinant 3-fucosyl-lactosamine (3-FL), Gal beta 1-4[Fuc alpha-3]GlcNAc-R have been raised in BALB/c mice, and we are studying the structure and regulation of these antibodies. In this report, we present the first information about their amino acid sequences and the Ig gene segments used to encode them. V regions of the H and L chains of three anti-3-FL antibodies, PMN6, PMN29, and PM81, were sequenced by a combination of mRNA and amino acid sequencing. The L chain sequences of PMN6 and PM81 antibodies indicate that their VK and JK regions are encoded by VK24B and JK1 germ-line genes, respectively. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the H chains suggest that the three anti-3-FL antibodies are encoded by the VH441 gene segment of the X24 VH family, and this conclusion was supported by Southern filter hybridization with VH441 and JH3-JH4 probes. PMN29 has at least 11 amino acid substitutions, which is an unusually large amount of somatic mutation for an IgM antibody. Previous analyses of BALB/c genomic libraries with VHX24 and VH441 probes make it unlikely that this VH family contains additional germ-line genes, but this possibility cannot be excluded. All three antibodies use the DQ52 and JH4 gene segments. The single VH and VL gene segments used to encode the anti-3-FL antibodies is in contrast to the multiple VH and VL segments used by antibodies against other carbohydrate Ag such as alpha 1-6 dextran and group A streptococcal carbohydrate. VH441 also encodes the VH regions of antibodies against galactan and levan (beta 2-6 fructosan). The similarities among VH segments of antibodies against 3-FL, levan, and galactan, and the striking differences in their CDR3 sequences, suggest that CDR3 plays an important role in the formation of the Ag binding site. The use of a single VH segment from the smallest VH gene family by antibodies against at least three different carbohydrate determinants is noteworthy. It raises the possibility that the amino acid sequence encoded by VH441 has some general structural features that make it particularly well adapted for binding to carbohydrate sequences.     

Mouse monoclonal antibodies against bromelain-treated mouse erythrocytes: reactivity with erythrocytes of various species of animals and idiotypes

Spleen and peritoneal cells from unimmunized BALB/c mice were cultured in the presence of LPS for 24 hr and fused to produce hybridomas secreting antibodies against bromelain-treated mouse erythrocytes (BrMRBC). Three clones from spleen cells and eight clones from peritoneal cells were isolated and characterized further. All the monoclonal antibodies had IgMK isotype. Their reactivities against untreated and bromelain-treated erythrocytes from various species were assessed by hemolysis and indirect radioimmunoassay; all the clones had similar antigen specificities. On the isoelectric focussing patterns of light chains, they were separated into two groups, two and nine clones, and all the light chains in each group showed identical patterns. The two groups shared no common idiotope detectable by anti-idiotype antibodies prepared by immunization of rabbits with the monoclonal antibodies, but all the antibodies in each group shared common idiotopes. In each group, one antibody had a unique idiotope different from any other antibody, but eight antibodies in a group shared another identical idiotope. These findings suggest the restricted heterogeneity of anti-BrMRBC antibodies in the mouse.     

Mapping the idiotopes of a monoclonal anti-myoglobin antibody with syngeneic monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies: detection of a common idiotope

A panel of syngeneic monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies was prepared by immunizing A.SW mice with keyhole limpet hemocyanin-coupled A.SW monoclonal anti-myoglobin (HAL 19, IgG1) and screening the cloned hybridomas for production of IgG2 binding to idiotype but not to certain other anti-myoglobin antibodies of the same subclass in an ELISA. With these antibodies, we identified three nonoverlapping idiotopes, based on three clusters of monoclonal anti-idiotopes that mutually inhibit within each cluster, but not between clusters (Cluster I: S2, S6, S8; Cluster II: S5, S7; Cluster III: S9). Only Cluster II antibodies block the binding of myoglobin to HAL 19 and so identify a binding site-related idiotope(s). Binding of both Cluster II monoclonals (S5 and S7) to Hal 19 is inhibited by a rabbit anti-idiotype that we previously reported detects a common cross-reactive anti-myoglobin idiotope in immune sera. However, only one of these, S7, and not S5, identifies an idiotope that is present on 20 to 30% of A.SW anti-myoglobin antibodies in immune sera and ascites. The panel of syngeneic monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies also detects new idiotopes not detected by the rabbit anti-idiotype. The development of a panel of syngeneic monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies to different clusters of idiotopes on the same antibody molecule, including one that identifies a major common idiotope in immune sera, should allow the analysis of possible idiotype network regulation in vivo and in vitro in a completely syngeneic system.     

Detection of private and recurrent idiotopes on natural anti-tubulin antibodies by monoclonal anti-idiotopic antibodies

Two monoclonal anti-idiotopic antibodies (anti-Id) were raised in mice against a human monoclonal IgA,K displaying a monospecific anti-tubulin (anti-alpha- and anti-beta-tubulin) activity. One anti-Id (IgG,K) recognized a private idiotope, TID 3.2, present only on the IgA,K immunogen, close to or within the antigen-combining site. The other anti-Id (IgM,K) recognized a recurrent idiotope, TID 7.1, outside the paratope and present in normal human and BALB/c mouse serum, on 2 of 11 polyspecific human monoclonal immunoglobulins and on 6 of 11 murine natural monoclonal auto-antibodies exhibiting a widespread anticytoskeletal protein-binding activity. Both the idiotopes were absent on two induced anti-tubulin antibodies exhibiting a monospecific anti-alpha- and anti-beta-tubulin specificity. Utilizing competitive and additivity immunoassays, we could show that the polyspecific human and mouse anticytoskeletal antibodies tested, whether bearing the TID 7.1 Id or not, appeared to compete in variable degrees for epitopes on the tubulin molecule recognized by the monoclonal IgA,K but distinct from the epitopes recognized by the induced monospecific anti-tubulin antibodies. The high incidence of the recurrent TID 7.1 idiotope in man and mouse suggests an important physiologic and perhaps regulatory function of this idiotope. Furthermore our data suggest that a restricted family of germ-line genes, highly conserved during phylogeny, may encode for these idiotope-bearing Ig molecules.     

Modulation of the murine immune response to streptococcal group A carbohydrate by immunization with monoclonal anti-idiotope

Using monoclonal anti-idiotopes with previously defined specificities for the variable (V) domain of HGAC 39, a monoclonal antibody against streptococcal group A carbohydrate (GAC), we have studied the effect of anti-idiotope on an anticarbohydrate immune response. Anti-IdI-3a and anti-IdI-3b are anti-idiotopes which recognize binding site-associated determinants, whereas anti-IdX recognizes a framework-associated determinant on the HGAC 39 V kappa domain. Each of three anti-idiotopes elicited a specific idiotope response, as measured by inhibition radioimmunoassay, in A/J and C57BL/6J mice. A single immunization with conjugated anti-IdI-3a elicited an idiotope(+), GAC-binding(+) response in C57BL/6J and (BALB/c X CBA/N)F1 male mice, but not in A/J or (CBA/N X BALB/c)F1 male, X-linked immunodeficient mice. When C57BL/6J mice immunized initially with anti-idiotope were further treated with group A vaccine, those receiving anti-IdX had the greatest increase in anti-GAC activity. Stimulation of an anticarbohydrate response with anti-idiotope may therefore be enhanced by selecting anti-idiotopes against both binding site- and framework-associated determinants.     

Influence of the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus on expression of the VK1GAC light chain

The VK1GAC light chain represents the dominant V kappa structure employed in the antibody response of A/J mice to streptococcal group A carbohydrate ( GAC ). Two anti-idiotypic antisera, anti- Id5 and anti- Id20 , with specificity for the VK1GAC light chain were used to examine anti- GAC antibody responses in a series of inbred mouse strains that differ at the heavy chain constant region ( IgCH ) allotype locus. Both idiotypes were expressed in normal and immune sera from mice of most IgCH allotypes, except IgCHb (C57BL/6J) and IgCHf (CE/J). C57BL/6J mice expressed Id5 , but not Id20 , whereas CE/J mice did not express either idiotype. Testing of recombinant inbred strains between BALB/c and C57BL/6 indicated that the pattern of idiotype expression did not correlate with IgCH allotype. The C X B recombinants expressed all three idiotype patterns that were observed in the panel of inbred strains. Testing of allotype congenic mice between BALB/c and C57BL/6 showed that CB.20 and BC.8 mice were Id20 -, whereas BAB-14 mice were Id20 +, indicating that both VH and background (V kappa or regulatory) loci must be derived from BALB/c to obtain Id20 expression. The difference in the frequency of idiotype expression observed between BALB/c and BAB-14 mice indicates that the IgCH locus may exert a quantitative influence on the expression of this light chain. To examine the Id20 -, Id5 + antibodies of C57BL/6 mice, anti- GAC hybridomas were prepared. Of 16 C57BL/6-derived anti- GAC monoclonal antibodies, six were reactive with anti- Id5 and not with anti- Id20 . Isoelectric focusing of the purified kappa light chains from three of these antibodies revealed two distinct spectrotypes that co-migrated with the two known VK1GAC spectrotypes observed with A/J anti- GAC light chains. Idiotypic analysis of in vitro recombinants between the heavy and light chains of A/J and C57BL/6 monoclonal antibodies demonstrated that the C57BL/6 light chains were idiotypically similar to A/J light chains when they were free in solution or paired with A/J heavy chains. These results demonstrate that C57BL/6 mice can express a light chain that is very similar, if not identical, to the VK1GAC light chain, although the light chain is expressed in lower frequency and is paired with a distinct VH structure, which can mask expression of one of the VK1GAC idiotypes. These effects on V kappa expression map to at least three genetic loci: VH, CH, and an unlinked locus.     

Fine specificity and idiotype diversity of a murine anti-HLA-DQw3 monoclonal antibody elicited with a syngeneic antiidiotypic monoclonal antibody

A total of 469 hybridomas was generated from a BALB/c mouse immunized with the syngeneic antiidiotypic mAb KO3-34 that recognizes an idiotope within the Ag-combining site of the immunizing syngeneic anti HLA-DQw3 mAb KS13. One of the hybridomas, named S2B154, was shown with a number of serologic and immunochemical assays to mimic the specificity of anti HLA-DQw3 mAb KS13. This result was unexpected, because the antiidiotypic mAb had been classified as gamma because of the lack of detection of anti-HLA-DQw3 antibodies in sera from BALB/c mice immunized with the antiidiotypic mAb KO3-34. The antiidiotypic mAb S2B154, an IgG1, displays a lower affinity constant to HLA-DQw3 Ag-bearing lymphoid cells than mAb KS13, an IgG2b, but a higher one to antiidiotypic mAb KO3-34. Testing with a panel of antiidiotypic mAb elicited with the mAb KS13 showed that both antiidiotypic mAb S2B154 and mAb KS13 express in their Ag-combining site the idiotopes recognized by the antiidiotypic mAb KO3-256, KO3-335, and R1-38. However, the antiidiotypic mAb S2B154 does not react with the mAb R18-9 that recognizes an idiotope outside the Ag-combining site of mAb KS13. The results we have presented question the validity of the classification of antiidiotypic antibodies based on their ability to inhibit the binding of the corresponding antibodies to Ag and on the specificity of antisera elicited with antiidiotypic antibodies. Furthermore, the hybridomas we have developed in this Id cascade provide us the opportunity to analyze the structural basis of idiotypic Ag mimicry and to evaluate the regulatory properties of antiidiotypic antibodies in the immune response to HLA class II Ag.     

Immunotherapy of murine sarcomas with auto-anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibodies which bind to tumor-specific T cells

Hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were obtained from BALB/c mice immunized against either of two transplanted, chemically induced syngeneic sarcomas, MCA-1490 or MCA-1511. Two mAb, 4.72 and 5.96, were obtained, one from each immunization. They were found to have apparent anti-idiotypic specificity in that they, when injected s.c., primed naive BALB/c mice for delayed-type hypersensitivity that was specific for the immunizing tumor and required homology at genes linked to the Igh-1 allotype locus. Neither mAb bound tumor antigen. When mice with established transplants of MCA-1490 or MCA-1511 were treated by repeated i.p. injections of the appropriate anti-idiotypic mAb (4.72 and 5.96, respectively), a significant reduction in tumor growth was observed in those mice that had received the appropriate mAb. The idiotope defined by mAb 4.72 was expressed by T cells in mice responding to MCA-1490. mAb 4.72 bound to T cell suppressor factors that were specific for MCA-1490 and were derived from T cell hybridomas or sera of mice bearing MCA-1490. mAb 4.72 also bound to cells from lymph nodes draining the area of a growing MCA-1490 tumor. It was used, in combination with cell sorting, to establish a T cell line, which mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity to MCA-1490 and inhibited the outgrowth of MCA-1490 in BALB/c mice. Thus, mAb specific for idiotopes on T cells responding to syngeneic tumor antigen had both direct immunotherapeutic activity and could be used to establish cultures of tumor-reactive T cells.     

Monoclonal antibodies that bind to galactosylgloboside (SSEA-3 antigen)

The 3-fucosyllactosamine (3-FL) antigenic determinant, Gal(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]-GlcNAc-R, is very immunogenic in BALB/c mice. A panel of monoclonal antibodies was raised against a novel glycosphingolipid that contains a terminal 3-FL structure (structure 1): (formula: see text) Surprisingly, most of these antibodies reacted with the internal galactosylgloboside structure rather than with the terminal 3-FL epitope. The specificities of two of these antibodies, 5A3 and 8A7, were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunostaining procedures, and compared with MC631 (anti-SSEA-3), the only other monoclonal antibody known to bind to galactosylgloboside. 5A3 and 8A7 bound equally well to structure 1 and to galactosylgloboside. These antibodies also bound to structure 1 from which the terminal galactose, or the galactose and fucose, had been removed, but not to globoside or sialylated galactosylgloboside. In contrast, MC631 did not bind to structure 1 but, as described previously, did bind to globoside and sialylated galactosylgloboside. Galactosylgloboside is a developmentally regulated antigen of mouse embryos, human teratocarcinomas, and mouse embryonic brain. Antibodies 5A3 and 8A7 will complement MC631 in the analysis of the distribution and regulation of galactosylgloboside.     

The idiotypic characterization of the immune response to a defined epitope of a protein antigen and the specific in vivo suppression of the immune response to this epitope by anti-idiotypic antibodies

C10, a monoclonal antibody of C3H.SW (CSW) origin, binds a decapeptide epitope of the tobacco mosaic virus protein (TMVP) representing residues 103-112 of the protein. In vivo administration of syngeneic anti-idiotypic antibodies to C10 (anti-C10) prior to immunization with TMVP suppressed the expression of antibodies to this decapeptide determinant in CSW mice without a significant reduction of the total anti-TMVP titer. The suppression could not be overcome with repeated challenges by antigen even 6 months after administration of anti-C10. Analysis of anti-C10 showed that it contains antibodies to at least two idiotopes found on C10. One of these idiotopes, C10-Idm, is found on a very small fraction of CSW anti-TMVP antibodies capable of binding the decapeptide epitope. The other idiotope, C10-IdX, is found on most of the anti-TMVP antibodies which bind the decapeptide determinant. With synthetic analogues of the decapeptide determinant, a correlation was established between the presence of the C10-IdX and the fine specificity of the decapeptide-binding antibodies. The studies reported herein demonstrate that anti-idiotypic antibodies are potent modulators of the immune response and that the C10-IdX is important in the determination of the fine specificity of antibodies to this decapeptide epitope of TMVP.     

Comparison of the murine humoral immune response to recombinant simian virus 40 large tumor antigen: Epitope specificity and idiotype expression

Baculovirus-derived recombinant simian virus 40 (SV40) large tumor antigen (SV40 T-Ag) was used to immunize inbred strains of mice to compare the humoral immune responses. Specifically we examined the epitope specificities and idiotype (Id) expression on anti-(SV40 T-Ag) responses induced in BALB/c and C57BL/6 inbred strains of mice. The predominant SV40 T-Ag epitopes recognized by the anti-(SV40 T-Ag) responses appeared to differ between these two inbred strains, this being based on the ability of sera to inhibit the binding of several murine monoclonal antibodies specific for SV40 T-Ag. In addition, anti-(SV40 T-Ag) responses produced in C57BL/6 mice failed to express a previously described cross-reactive Id expressed in the anti-(SV40 T-Ag) response in BALB/c mice. This cross-reactive Id is detected by a mouse monoclonal anti-Id, designated 58D, which has been shown to represent a potential focal point for manipulating the humoral immune response to SV40-induced tumors in BALB/c mice. Together, these data indicate that the functional duality of the humoral immune response, as assessed by epitope recognition and Id expression, differs between these two inbred strains of mice when immunized with a recombinant SV40 T-Ag.     

Idiotypic analysis of polyclonal and monoclonal anti-p-azophenylarsonate antibodies of BALB/c mice expressing the major cross-reactive idiotype of the A/J strain

The idiotypic cascade allows the induction of silent idiotypes, and as such, the immune system can be reprogrammed towards predetermined goals. To understand the genetic origin of silent idiotypes, we have used a system in which detailed structural and genetic information is available. The major cross-reactive idiotype (CRIA) of A/J mice (positive strain) immunized with arsonate coupled to a carrier can be regularly induced in BALB/c mice (negative strain) by anti-idiotypic treatment with or without subsequent antigen immunization. By using a panel of monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies, we have found that the germline-encoded CRIA displays a mosaic of at least five idiotopes. Polyclonal and monoclonal anti-arsonate antibodies prepared from idiotypically manipulated BALB/c mice have been studied. Four germline idiotopes are shared between the CRIA of the A/J strain and the CRIA-like idiotype induced in BALB/c mice. Furthermore, CRIA-like antibodies can appear "spontaneously" in some BALB/c mice immunized with antigen only. The data suggest that anti-idiotypic treatment in BALB/c mice selects a preexisting subset of antibodies. From the serological analysis, it is predicted that CRIA molecules from A/J and CRIA-like molecules from BALB/c employ different VH subgroups but share some components of the hypervariable regions. These predictions are tested in a forthcoming paper that describes the amino acid sequences of BALB/c monoclonal antibodies displaying the major cross-reactive idiotype of the A/J strain.     

Analysis of anti-streptococcal group A carbohydrate idiotope levels in sera: correlation of magnitude of expression with idiotope position and VK haplotype

We have employed monoclonal anti-idiotopes to map the corresponding idiotopes on the variable domain of a prototype antibody specific for streptococcal group A carbohydrate (GAC). Idiotope variability, as assessed by direct and competitive binding assays, previously was shown to correlate with idiotope position; determinants farther from the binding site were less variable. We now describe a relationship between idiotope position and idiotope concentration in normal and GAC-immune sera from mice of several inbred and recombinant inbred strains. Employing sera as inhibitors in a competitive radioimmunoassay, we demonstrate that idiotopes farther from the binding site (more proximal) tend to be present at higher levels in GAC-hyperimmune sera. Only the most proximal idiotope was detected in normal serum, and this idiotope was present in normal sera from all 12 strains tested. Finally, significant interstrain differences in patterns of idiotope expression were observed, and some of these differences appear to be correlated with allelic differences at immunoglobulin structural gene loci.     

Regulation of the BALB/c anti-p-azophenylarsonate antibody response by monoclonal anti-idiotype. II. Idiotope expression in serum and its regulation

Five murine monoclonal antibody (mAb) anti-idiotypes (id), shown in the accompanying report by binding studies to be reactive with five different id on a single member of the 5AF6 family of BALB/c antibodies against the p-azophenylarsonate (Ar) hapten, were used to examine the distribution of their recognized id among anti-Ar in BALB/c and other mouse strains immunized with keyhole limpet hemocyanin-Ar (KLH-Ar). Differences in id expression in BALB/c and other strains substantiate that all five monoclonal anti-id reacted with different id. This suggests that the anti-id repertoire for a single antibody molecule may be extensive. Two of the anti-id reacted with id that were found in virtually all KLH-Ar immunized BALB/c mice, but constituted only a subset (approximately 33%) of the antibodies representing the 5AF6 family. The other three anti-id reacted with id infrequently expressed among BALB/c anti-Ar. Other mouse strains producing 5AF6 family anti-Ar antibodies also produced antibodies recognized by mAb 2CB8 and 6BA1; however, the three id infrequently expressed in BALB/c mice were produced in higher quantities and in a greater percent of mice. Monoclonal anti-id were capable of suppressing a portion but not all of the 5AF6 family of anti-Ar antibodies. Four of the five anti-id suppressed a greater fraction of the 5AF6 family than that id represented in a normal immune response, suggesting that suppression was mediated via an id other than that recognized by these monoclonal anti-id. Overall, the results indicate that an extensive repertoire of anti-id can be produced against a single id antibody, but suppression induced by treatment with these anti-id in this model is presumably mediated via another as yet unidentified id determinant(s).