Anti-DNA antibodies, autoimmunity and the immunoglobulin repertoire
Abstract
The advent of hybridoma and recombinant DNA technology about a decade ago has allowed a detailed analysis the structure, properties and molecular genetics of antibodies. These techniques, combined with studies of idiotypes and of Abelson-transformed and other cell lines, have resulted in major findings which are of particular importance to both the normal immune system and to autoimmunity. The rearrangement and expression of antibody genes in the normal immune system are discussed first, as a background for an appreciation of the significance of the molecular genetics of autoantibodies. We then turn to autoantibody genes, with an emphasis on anti-DNA antibodies and their role in the autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus. A model for the genetics of lupus which includes a possible role for Ig genes is considered.
References
The T-cell-independent immune response to the hapten NP uses a large repertoire of heavy chain genes
Citations
VH family utilization by IgG anti-DNA-secreting lymphocytes derived from autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr mice
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