Abstract
We have studied 19 S107 heavy chain variable region gene (VH11)-encoded monoclonal antibodies from NZBWF1 mice. These studies show that a single VH gene can encode both antibodies to foreign antigens (anti-phosphorylcholine) and to self antigens (anti-double-stranded DNA) in the same animal. All of the anti-DNA antibodies contain many somatic mutations compared with the relevant germline genes. Since the anti-DNA antibodies were extensively somatically mutated and had undergone isotype switching, the response seems to be T cell dependent. While some of the antibodies appear to be the products of an antigen-driven and antigen-selected response, a number of characteristics of the antibodies suggest that forces other than antigen are contributing to the stimulation and selection of this response.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 731-741 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Journal of Experimental Medicine |
Volume | 173 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1991 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology