Xenogeneic antibodies with apparent public idiotypic specificity for anti-Ia.7 antibodies are directed in part against V kappa 21D and E subgroup marker

Public idiotypes (IdX) expressed on monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against a monomorphic alpha-chain determinant of the I-E molecule (Ia.7 epitope cluster I) have been studied by using xenogeneic anti-Id reagents derived from pig, rabbit, and rat. IdX+ anti-Ia.7 mAb were recently demonstrated to be structurally related by a high frequency expression of the V kappa 21E light chain subgroup. This raised the question of whether V region determinants of the IdX were related to V kappa 21E sequences or whether they were unique to hypervariable regions of Ia.7 binding antibodies. To clarify this question, the possible association between the expression of the public Id (IdX(s)Ia.7) and the presence of V kappa sequences (V kappa 21E and/or J kappa segment) was examined. The reactivity of the anti-Id reagents with a random panel of 28 myeloma products (each containing a light chain from one of the different V kappa 21 subgroups) was studied by assaying the ability of these mAb to inhibit the binding between the anti-Id and anti-Ia.7 mAb. This analysis demonstrates that what has previously been defined as IdX Ia.7 includes determinants shared by V kappa 21E and V kappa 21D light chain V regions. The structures recognized are expressed irrespective of the J kappa segment. In addition, this study demonstrates interspecies variation in immune responses to such V kappa 21E antigenic determinants. Additional IdX components are found on anti-Ia.7 mAb but not on other V kappa 21E or D proteins. Thus V region subgroup considerations have crucial implications for Id characterization. In addition, this work describes the first division of the V kappa 21 subgroup into component parts by a mAb.     

Characteristics of murine monoclonal anti-CD4. Epitope recognition, idiotype expression, and variable region gene sequence.

We have characterized a series of mouse monoclonal anti-CD4 and describe both their CD4 epitope recognition and Id expression. We also determined the V region gene sequences of these antibodies in an attempt to correlate epitope recognition and Id expression with V region sequence. All of these preparations recognize epitopes that cluster around the HIV gp120 binding site on the human CD4 molecule. However, we observed differences in epitope recognition among the anti-CD4 preparations, based on either competitive inhibition assays or functional assays, such as syncytium inhibition. Analysis of Id specificities using a polyclonal anti-Id generated against anti-Leu 3a indicated that five of the seven monoclonal anti-CD4 expressed a shared Id. Based on V region gene sequences, the V region kappa-chain (V[kappa]) from each of the seven antibodies was encoded by the V[kappa]21 gene family and expressed the J[kappa]4 gene segment. Those preparations that expressed the shared Id with anti-Leu 3a have virtually identical V[kappa] sequences, with a high degree of homology in the CDR. The VH region gene sequences of six of the seven antibodies also shared overall homology and appeared to be encoded by the J558 VH gene family. The seventh anti-CD4 VH region is encoded for by the VHGAM gene family. The majority of these antibodies used JH3 gene segment, although the JH2 and JH4 gene segments were also represented. In addition, several of these antibodies share a common sequence organization within their V-D-J joining regions that appears to involve N and P sequences to generate unique D segments. Together, these data suggest that differences in epitope recognition among the monoclonal anti-CD4 may reflect sequence variability primarily within the CDR3 region of both V[kappa] and VH. The basis for the detection of a shared Id most likely reflects the high degree of homology within the V[kappa] region sequences. In addition, these data, which are based on a limited analysis, suggest the possible restricted use of V region germ-line gene families in the secondary antibody response of BALB/c mice to specific epitopes on the human CD4 molecule.     

Shared idiotope on monoclonal anti-Ia.7 antibodies reactive with determinants in a structural domain of the I-E molecules

In previous studies, heterologous anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antisera against the C3H.SW 14-4-4S or the A.TH 41.A anti-Ia.7 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were shown to identify an interstrain cross-reactive idiotypic specificity (IdX.Ia.7) expressed on monoclonal or conventional anti-Ia.7 alloantibodies. The objective of the present investigation was to characterize further this IdX at the idiotopic level. To this end, 11 hybridomas producing IgG1, IgG2a, or IgM anti-Id mAb were derived from a rat immunized with a mixture of 10 A.TH or A.BY anti-Ia.7 mAb. The specificity of the latter anti-Id mAb was determined by direct Id binding radioimmunoassay (RIA) with the use of a panel of 52 anti-Ia mAb derived from hybridomas produced in various inbred mouse strains. These rat anti-Id mAb recognized idiotopes expressed on i) all anti-Ia.7 mAb against determinants in the topographic domain I of the I-Ek molecule but not on 18 other anti-I-Ek mAb directed at epitopes in domains II or III; ii) three of 19 anti-I-Ak mAb; and iii) one A.TL-derived anti-I-As mAb. Competitive Id binding assays revealed that among the 14 IdX+ anti-Ia.7 mAb, one (81.B) was bound to a lesser extent by various rat anti-Id mAb, suggesting that heterogeneity probably exists in this antibody family. By contrast, two isologous (B10.S(7R)) anti-Id mAb to the IdX.Ia.7+ mAb 41.A displayed a specificity restricted to 41.A individual idiotopes (IdI). Rat anti-IdX.Ia.7 and mouse anti-41.A IdI mAb inhibited the binding of 125I-labeled mAb 41.A to CBA spleen cells. These two sets of mAb bound in a noncompetitive fashion to mAb 41.A-coated plates, indicating that their corresponding public or private idiotopes were spatially distinct. These data may have implications for in vivo manipulations of anti-Ia immune responses.     

Neutralization of HIV-1 by anti-idiotypes to monoclonal anti-CD4. Potential for idiotype immunization against HIV.

Anti-idiotypic antibodies were raised in rabbits against a panel of 11 murine mAb directed to the human CD4 receptor. Selection of mAb for vaccination was based on inhibition studies demonstrating that these mAb recognized CD4/V1 epitopes implicated in HIV-1-gp120 binding. Purified antisera showed high titer anti-Id activity and reacted specifically with Ag-combining site-related Id of the mAb used for their generation. Anti-Id either detected a private Id of the immunizing mAb or displayed a partial cross-reactivity with Id of other mAb to CD4. Eight anti-Id to six different mAb were shown to recognize determinants of recombinant HIV-1-gp120 or of HIV-1-gp160 as shown by ELISA and radioimmunoprecipitation assay. These anti-Id were capable of inhibiting HIV infection up to 100% in a MT-4 cell assay in vitro. In addition to neutralizing infectivity of cell-free virus, anti-Id to two mAb--the mAb IOT4a and 7.3F11--were also shown to inhibit HIV-induced syncytia formation up to 100%. Anti-Id to the mAb IOT4a, 7.3F11, and to the mAb anti-Leu3a interfered with rgp120 binding to cellular CD4 as assessed by flow cytometry. These results demonstrated that mAb specific for both CDR2- and CDR3-like regions of CD4 were capable of inducing HIV-1-gp120 cross-reacting anti-Id neutralizing HIV-1 in vitro. These studies may have implications for the development of a gp120 internal image based vaccine against HIV.     

A "network antigen" for human CD4. A murine monoclonal anti-idiotype to Leu-3a induces an anti-CD4 response in naive mice.

Previous studies have evaluated anti-CD4 mAb as idiotypic models of the HIV gp120-binding site for CD4. The success of this strategy depends upon the concept of internal image, whereby the binding paratope of the anti-CD4 structurally mimics the equivalent binding surface on HIV gp120. To test this concept of internal image, anti-idiotypic antibodies were raised against the anti-CD4, Leu-3a. If any of these anti-Id detect the paratopic idiotope on the anti-CD4 antibody, their own respective paratopes should structurally model the corresponding binding epitope on CD4 bound by Leu-3a. Consequently, the immunization of naive mice with the selected anti-Id should induce an anti-CD4 response which reflects the binding specificities of Leu-3a. Four anti-Id to Leu-3a were characterized and tested for their ability to induce anti-CD4 responses in naive animals. Although one anti-Id induced an anti-CD4 response in mice, no such response could be detected in other species. Thus the failure to raise anti-Id with internal image characteristics may provide an explanation for the lack of anti-gp120 activity reported in anti-Id antisera raised to multiple anti-CD4 antibodies.     

Anti-idiotypic antibody response to monoclonal anti-CD4 preparations in nonhuman primate species.

A series of mouse monoclonal anti-CD4 preparations was characterized for the ability to recognize overlapping epitopes on CD4 and to inhibit HIV/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) syncytium formation. Based on this characterization, mAb able to recognize CD4 epitopes overlapping the HIV binding site were selected and used to immunize nonhuman primates to elicit the production of specific anti-Id antibodies. Five baboons and five rhesus monkeys were immunized with either individual or a cocktail consisting of several monoclonal anti-CD4 preparations. All the nonhuman primates produced specific anti-Id that recognized either private or cross-reactive Id depending on the monoclonal anti-CD4 used to generate the anti-Id response. Inhibition assays were performed to ascertain the ability of: 1) soluble CD4 to inhibit the Id-anti-Id reaction and 2) the various anti-Id to inhibit the CD4-monoclonal anti-CD4 reaction. These studies demonstrated that some of the anti-Id recognized a cross-reactive Id that was associated with the Ag-combining site. In addition, some of the anti-Id weakly recognized SIV gp120 by Western blot analysis. These studies may be useful in designing experiments that may lead to a better understanding of the CD4-HIV gp120 interaction and to the production of Id and/or anti-Id reagents that might be used to manipulate this virus-receptor interaction.     

Direct demonstration of binding of anti-Leu 4 antibody to the 40 kDa Fc receptor on monocytes as a prerequisite for anti-Leu 4-induced T cell mitogenesis

It has previously been demonstrated that about 30% of healthy Caucasian subjects are "nonresponders" in assays of the mitogenic activity of monoclonal mouse IgG1 (mIgG1) anti-CD3 antibodies (e.g., anti-Leu 4 and UCHT-1), and that this unresponsiveness is due to lack of monocyte helper function. In an immunofluorescence assay with fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis, we studied the binding of phycoerythrin-conjugated anti-Leu 4 to monocytes from responders and nonresponders. Interaction was observed with monocytes from responders only, and was blocked by a murine monoclonal antibody (IV.3) directed to an epitope on the 40-kDa low affinity Fc receptor (FcRII). This indicates that the interaction represents binding of the Fc part of phycoerythrin-conjugated anti-Leu 4 to FcRII on responder monocytes. Indirect immunofluorescence with antibody IV.3 demonstrated, however, that monocytes from both responders and nonresponders express similar levels of FcRII. Thus, nonresponder monocytes apparently express a variant FcRII which is unable to bind the Fc part of mIgG1 antibodies. The anti-FcRII antibody completely blocked anti-Leu 4-induced (but not OKT3 (mIgG2a)-induced) T cell proliferation in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from responders. The results provide direct evidence that monocytes from anti-Leu 4 responders, but not monocytes from anti-Leu 4 non-responders, are able to bind the Fc part of mIgG1 to FcRII, and that this interaction with FcRII is essential for the mitogenic activity of mIgG1 anti-CD3 antibodies.     

Idiotope structure and genetic diversity in anti-streptococcal group A carbohydrate antibodies

Three cross-reactive idiotopes(Id), termed IdX, IdI-1, and Id5, that are present on free L chains from murine anti-group A streptococcal carbohydrate antibodies have been mapped; these Id distinguish between products of three homologous V kappa genes. For each determinant, sequence analysis of anti-streptococcal group A carbohydrate antibody V domains yielded small numbers of amino acids invariably associated with Id expression. Flow micro-fluorimetry was used to isolate three IdI-1- spontaneous mutants of the IdI-1+ hybridoma GAC 39; all had single amino acid changes in the L chain at position 60 and 77, all retained other Id, and all bound group A carbohydrate. Computer modeling was used to examine spatial relationships between Id. A number of the conserved Id5 and IdX residues cluster in the L chain framework region 1 around the first back loop connecting strands of the beta pleated sheets, and overlap at residue 15 (Id5, proline; IdX, leucine). This overlap accords with the mutually exclusive expression of Id5 and IdX. The IdI-1 loss variants have mutations of residues 60 or 77 on adjacent back loops, approximately 7.5 and 14 A from residue 15. Competitive inhibition of anti-IdX and anti-IdI-1 binding to antibodies expressing both Id can be attributed to steric hindrance. The framework back loops may be favored sites for cross-reactive Id expressed by products of a single V region gene. IdI-3a, an individual Id not associated with use of a particular gene segment, has been localized in part to residue 31 (hypervariable region 1) of the H chain.     

Monoclonal antibodies to streptococcal group A carbohydrate. II. The VK1GAC light chain is preferentially associated with serum IgG3

A kappa-light chain variable region (V kappa) dominantly employed in the serum antibody response of A/J mice to streptococcal group A carbohydrate (GAC) has been termed VK1GAC. Examination of in vitro recombinants between the isolated heavy and light chains of VK1GAC+ and VK1GAC-anti-GAC hybridomas and non-GAC-binding myeloma proteins indicated that two antisera (anti-Id5 and anti-Id20) recognized the VK1GAC light chain when it was free in solution or paired with several heterologous heavy chains. Screening of a panel of A/J anti-GAC monoclonal antibodies with these antisera showed almost complete concordance between Id5 and Id20 expression and the presence of VK1GAC light chain as detected by its unique isoelectric focusing spectrotype. These antisera were used to examine serum expression of the VK1GAC light chain in normal and hyperimmune serum of A/J mice. Normal A/J serum contained from 20 to 100 micrograms Id5/ml serum, whereas only 1 to 10 micrograms Id20/ml serum was detected. The levels of both VK1GAC idiotypes increased dramatically 10- to 20-fold after hyperimmunization of mice with group A vaccine. When serum IgG from normal and immune mice was fractionated into the IgG subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3), it was found that the VK1GAC light chain does not pair randomly with heavy chains of the IgG subclasses, but rather is associated preferentially with heavy chains of the IgG3 subclass whether or not it is associated with antibodies to GAC. These results suggest that the heavy chain pairing exhibited by this VK product may not be random.     

Induction of a neutralizing immune response to human respiratory syncytial virus with anti-idiotypic antibodies.

Anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies were raised in rabbits against monoclonal antibodies that recognized either F glycoprotein 47F or G glycoprotein 63G, 62G, or 74G of the human respiratory syncytial virus Long strain. Anti-Id sera inhibited the virus binding of the immunizing monoclonal antibodies and in some cases the binding of other antibodies reacting with overlapping epitopes. The anti-Id sera also inhibited virus neutralization mediated by the original monoclonal antibodies. Affinity purified anti-Id antibodies were subsequently used to raise a homologous anti-anti-Id response in rabbits. One of the rabbits, inoculated with anti-Id 63G, generated antibodies that reacted with the G protein of respiratory syncytial virus and neutralized the virus to high titers. The antiviral antibodies induced by anti-Id 63G were broadly cross-reactive with strains of the A and B subtypes. However, the specificities of monoclonal antibody 63G and anti-anti-Id 63G were not exactly the same, as indicated by their reaction with escape mutants to antibody 63G. These results demonstrate for the first time the induction of an anti-respiratory syncytial virus response by anti-Id antibodies.     

Induction of immune response to influenza virus with anti-idiotypic antibodies.

Anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies were raised in rabbits against five monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for different antigenic sites on the hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza virus Mem71H-BelN (H3N1) [A/Memphis/1/71 (H3N2) x A/Bel/42 (H1N1)]. Each of the anti-Id sera was directed predominantly towards a unique (private) idiotype of the immunizing MAb, none of the five idiotypes being detectable in pooled BALB/c antisera against Mem71H-BelN virus or on most other anti-HA MAbs tested. Partial idiotypic sharing was observed, however, between certain MAbs, from different mice, having the same or similar epitope specificity for HA. When used as immunogens in BALB/c mice, two of the five anti-Id preparations induced antibodies that reacted with Mem71H-BelN virus and displayed neutralizing activity. Mice of other inbred strains responded similarly, indicating that the response was not genetically restricted by the Igh locus. From their pattern of reactivity with mutants of Mem71H-BelN virus with known single amino acid substitutions in the HA molecule, the antiviral antibodies elicited by anti-Id antibodies were shown to be directed to the same antigenic site on A/Memphis/1/71 HA as the original immunizing MAb (site A or site E, respectively). However, several of these antisera were shown to contain additional distinct subpopulations of antibodies specific for heterologous influenza A virus strains, either of the H3 subtype or of a different HA subtype (H1 or H2). Since the induction of antibodies to HA of different subtypes is not a feature of the antibody response to influenza virus itself, their induction by anti-Id antibodies merits further investigation.     

A single amino acid mutation in CDR3 of the 3-14-9 L chain abolished expression of the IDA 10-defined idiotope and antigen binding.

The ABPC 48 myeloma protein and the 3-14-9 mAb derive their V region genes from the same VH and V kappa gene families. They also share a cross-reactive idiotope defined by the anti-Id mAb IDA 10. Whereas ABPC 48 is specific for bacterial levan, 3-14-9 showed a significant Ag-binding activity to aminophenyl-beta-N-acetylglucosaminide (AZO). In order to define the molecular basis of idiotope expression and Ag-binding activity, we have cloned the genes encoding the 3-14-9 H and L chain V region genes, generated antibodies that carry mutations within the L chain genes, by site-directed mutagenesis, and investigated the effects of those mutations with respect to IDA 10 idiotope expression and binding to AZO. Our findings show that, whereas expression of the IDA 10-defined idiotope requires association of both the H and L chains, a single change (glycine to phenylalanine) at position 91 in the third complementarity-determining region of the L chain abolished both idiotope expression and Ag-binding activity. In addition, a L chain change of alanine to threonine at position 25 allowed idiotope expression to some extent but significantly reduced binding activity to AZO. These data suggest that a single amino acid change can play a crucial role in the functional activity and structural integrity of antibodies.     

Anti-immunoglobulin antibodies. II. Expression of individual and cross-reactive idiotypes on syngeneic and homologous anti-idiotype antibodies

Syngeneic anti-(anti-Id) antibodies were prepared against BALB/c anti-A48Id antibodies, BALB/c anti-460Id monoclonal antibodies, and A/J anti-J558 IdI monoclonal antibodies. With these anti-(anti-Id) antibodies we identified cross-reactive idiotypes on syngeneic and homologous anti-A48Id and anti-460Id antibodies. By contrast, tbe idiotypic determinants of A/J anti-J558 IdI monoclonal antibodies were not shared by other syngeneic, homologous, or xenogenic anti-J558 IdI or IdX antibodies. These results suggest that idiotype-antiidiotype reactions that serve as regulatory controls within the immune system are characteristic for each particular antigen system, strain, or species and that such interactions make the system self-limited with respect to the whole antild repertoire.     

Hypervariable region peptides variably induce specific anti-idiotypic antibodies: an approach to determining antigenic dominance

Rats and rabbits were immunized with synthetic peptides corresponding to the VH hypervariable regions of several alpha (1----3) dextran-specific antibodies from mice to study the efficacy of synthetic peptides in the generation of site-specific anti-idiotypic reagents. Synthetic peptides were made which corresponded to the HV1, HV2, and HV3 hypervariable regions of the heavy chain of M104 (IdX+, IdI-(M104)+), HV2 of HDex 14 (IdX-), and HV3 of J558 (IdX+, IdI(J558)+). The HV1(M104) peptide sequence is found in all dextran-specific immunoglobulins examined and the HV2 and the HV3 peptides span the regions implicated in IdX and IdI expression, respectively. Sera from many rabbits and rats indicate that all five peptides are immunogenic. Antisera to HV3 peptides show excellent binding to the appropriate myeloma proteins, with antisera to the HV3(M104) peptide demonstrating little binding to proteins that differ in HV3 sequence. Antisera generated against HV1(M104) and both HV2 peptides show weak cross-reaction to the appropriate proteins; however, these sera are not idiotypic because they cross-react with immunoglobulins with very limited sequence homology. Thus, it appears that some, but not all synthetic peptides from hypervariable regions will be capable of generating antisera with useful anti-idiotypic specificities. This may reflect differences in the intrinsic antigenicity of various parts of the VH region.     

Evidence that anti-idiotype induced immunity to experimental African trypanosomiasis is genetically restricted and requires recognition of combining site-related idiotopes

The ability of anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies to immunize mice against African trypanosomiasis independent of antigen has been confirmed. Of three allogeneic anti-Id antibodies raised against three protective monoclonal antibodies, each with specificity for the variant surface antigen of a clone of Trypanosoma rhodesiense, only one (anti-7H11 Id) was effective in immunizing BALB/c mice against homologous challenge. The immunity was associated with the more rapid and enhanced expression of the corresponding Id after infection. The immunity was restricted to mice bearing genes linked to Igh-Ca, which appeared to control expression of this Id both in response to infection and anti-Id treatment. Another Id, 11D5, appeared to be under similar genetic control. Anti-11D5 Id, however, was ineffective in immunizing mice against infection despite inducing high levels of Id bearing molecules before challenge. The immunizing potential of the respective anti-Id antibodies appeared to be related to the relative concentrations of antibodies reactive with idiotopes near to or within the antigen-combining site, which, in turn, determined the relative proportion of Id-bearing clones activated that had antigen binding activity.     

Molecular characterization of anti-idiotype antibody-resistant variants of a murine B cell lymphoma

We have previously identified Id- tumor vaiants that emerge after anti-Id mAb therapy of the murine B cell lymphoma 38C13. This report characterizes the molecular basis for these variants. By using a modification of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), mu and kappa Ig loci were sequenced from nine Id- variants derived directly by anti-Id immunoselection in vivo. Ig kappa loci sequence analysis was also performed from 10 additional variants amplified directly from tumor cells in vitro without immunoselection. We demonstrate that the molecular mechanism underlying tumor cell escape in this model is the spontaneous emergence of variants that have undergone kappa L chain gene "re-rearrangement" before positive selection by the anti-Id antibody. A second round of re-rearrangement was also demonstrated to occur within primary tumor variants. Re-rearrangement of the 38C13 tumor cell Ig kappa locus is strongly biased toward use of variable kappa genes within the conserved V kappa-Ox1 gene family, although their use is not exclusive. With the use of RNA PCR re-rearrangement was documented to occur in vitro at a frequency of approximately 1.0 x 10(-5)/cell. These findings may have important implications for the application of anti-Id antibodies as a therapeutic approach for human lymphomas and for understanding of the Ig gene rearrangement process.     

Spontaneous shift of anti-DNA antibody idiotypes in systemic lupus erythematosus

Spontaneous shift in Id expression of polyclonal anti-DNA antibodies in a patient, BS, with SLE was investigated. BS had active lupus nephritis in 1982 and developed central nervous system lupus in 1986 without evidence of active nephritis. Two rabbit polyclonal anti-Id (BS-82 and BS-86 R-anti-Id) were raised against affinity-purified anti-DNA antibodies prepared from 1982 serum (BS-82) and 1986 serum (BS-86), respectively. In addition, murine monoclonal anti-Id was prepared against BS-82 Id. Direct binding assays showed that all three anti-Id had preferential binding to the immunizing anti-DNA antibodies (the homologous Id) and poor binding to anti-DNA antibodies prepared from the different dated sample of BS. This was confirmed by inhibition assays of binding of anti-Id to the homologous Id by various Id. Moreover, inhibition assays of binding of various Id to DNA by the R-anti-Id showed that the R-anti-Id was the most effective inhibitor for the homologous Id. Testing for Id expression in serial (1982 to 1986) serum samples of BS with the R-anti-Id as probes showed that BS-82 Id declined and was undetectable after October, 1984, whereas BS-86 Id was first detectable in July, 1985, and increased by June, 1986. These results clearly demonstrate spontaneous shifts in Id expression of human anti-DNA antibodies. The phenomenon of Id shift should be considered in any future strategy for the diagnosis and therapy of human autoimmune disease by anti-Id.     

V kappa gene usage, idiotype expression, and antigen binding among clones expressing the VHX24 gene family derived from naive and anti-idiotype immune BALB/c mice

The BALB/c myeloma protein ABPC48 binds beta(2-6)-linked fructosans and expresses genes derived from the VHX24 and V kappa 10 gene families. We have selected 30 hybridomas expressing the VHX24 gene family derived from mitogen-stimulated spleen cells of naive BALB/c mice and mice injected at birth with the syngeneic monoclonal anti-ABPC48Id, IDA10. The majority of mAb with kappa L chains uses V kappa 1. Antibodies reacting with IDA10 use both V kappa 10 and V kappa 1. Most of these VHX24+ mAb reacted with one or more members of a limited panel of predominantly polysaccharide Ag that have been previously observed to interact with antibodies expressing the VHX24 gene family. Nucleotide sequencing of selected VH and V kappa genes shows a very low frequency of somatic mutation. The effect of neonatal anti-Id injection on VHX24-V kappa pairing and Id expression is discussed.     

VH-related idiotopes detected by site-directed mutagenesis. A study induced by the failure to find CD4 anti-idiotypic antibodies mimicking the cellular receptor of HIV.

The function of the CD4 cell surface protein as coreceptor on T helper lymphocytes and as receptor for HIV makes this glycoprotein a prime target for an immune intervention with mAb. A detailed understanding of the structural determinants on the therapeutic CD4 mAb that are involved in Ag binding or are recognized by anti-idiotypic mAb (anti-Id) may be important for designing antibodies with optimal therapeutic efficacy. Seven anti-Id raised against the CD4 mAb M-T310 were selected from a large panel with the intention to obtain CD4 mimicking structures with specificity for HIV gp120. The selected anti-Id did not react with other CD4-specific mAb cross-blocking M-T310. Among these, mAb M-T404, although having the same L chain as M-T310 and a VH region sequence differing only at 14 amino acid positions, was not recognized by the anti-Id. M-T310 H chain complexed with the J558L L chain reacted with all anti-Id, thus demonstrating that the recognized idiotopes are located within the VH region. To identify the idiotopes of M-T310 seen by the anti-Id, variants of M-T404 containing one or more of the M-T310-derived substitutions were generated by oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. The reactivity pattern of the mutant proteins with the anti-Id demonstrated that the idiotopes reside within the complementarity determining region (CDR) 2 and CDR3 loops of the VH region. A major idiotope was defined by a single amino acid in CDR2 that was recognized by three anti-Id, whereas the four other anti-Id reacted with determinants of CDR3. Although the performed amino acid substitutions did influence the Id recognition, Ag binding was not significantly affected, suggesting that none of the anti-Id can be considered as a mimicry of the CD4 Ag.     

Production and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies Specific for a Conserved Epitope within Hepatitis C Virus Hypervariable Region 1

Frequent mutations in hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of the main envelope protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major mechanism of persistence by escaping the host immune recognition. HVR1 contains an epitope eliciting neutralizing antibodies. This study was aimed to prepare broadly cross-reacting, high-affinity, monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to the HVR1 C terminus of HCV with potential therapeutic neutralizing capacity. A conserved amino residue group of glycine (G) at position 23 and glutamic acid (Q) at position 26 in HVR1 was confirmed as a key epitope against which two MAbs were selected and characterized. MAbs 2P24 and 15H4 were immunoglobulin G1 kappa chain [IgG1(kappa)], cross-reacted with 32 and 30 of 39 random C-terminal HVR1 peptides, respectively, and did not react with other HCV peptides. The V(H) of 2P24 and 15H4 heavy chains originated from Igh germ line v gene family 1 and 8, respectively. In contrast, the V(L) kappa sequences were highly homologous. The affinity (K(d)) of 2P24 and 15H4 (10(-9) or 10(-8) M with two immunizing peptides and 10(-8) M with two nonimmunizing HVR1 peptides) paralleled the reactivity obtained with peptide enzyme immunoassay. MAbs 2P24 and 15H4 captured 25 of 31 (81%) HCV in unselected patients' plasmas. These antibodies also blocked HCV binding to Molt-4 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. The data presented suggest that broadly cross-reactive MAbs to a conserved epitope within HCV HVR1 can be produced. Clinical application for passive immunization in HCV-related chronic liver disease and after liver transplantation is considered.