Idiotypic analysis of antibodies to poly(Glu60Ala30Tyr10): interstrain and interspecies idiotypic crossreactions.

Abstract

A common idiotype was defined by a guinea pig anti-idiotypic antiserum made against D1.LP [mouse strain] antibodies specific to the synthetic terpolymer poly(Glu60Ala30Tyr10) (GAT). This idiotype was found in the anti-GAT antibodies of all individuals of all inbred strains of mice tested. Due to its common (C) occurrence in the anti-GAT antibodies of all mouse strains, it was termed the CGAT idiotype. The presence of CGAT idiotype in mice is independent of the expression of various Ig-1 (immunoglobulin), H-2 (murine histocompatibility antigens), V.kappa. (variable region) genetic markers. Antibodies produced in response to the crossreactive poly(Glu60-Ala40), termed GA, bound to the GAT ligand but did not bear the CGAT idiotype. GAT seems to preferentially stimulate clones of CGAT idiotype despite the fact that GAT bears GA determinants. Some of the CGAT idiotype specificities were identified in sera of WF inbred rats after immunization with GAT. However, no significant levels of CGAT idiotype were detected in LEW rats, F344 rats, guinea pigs or rabbits, although measurable quantities of anti-GAT antibody were present.