The amino-terminal amino acid sequences of rabbit immunoglobulin light chains.

Abstract

Amino acids occupying the first 6 positions of rabbit immunoglobulin light chains have been identified. The amino acid sequence is not as unique as had previously been supposed. Comparison with data reported for mouse and human immunoglobulin light chains substantiates the notion of a limited variability at each position near the amino-terminal end, but casts considerable doubt on a recently proposed theory of immunogenesis. Rabbit anti-DNP light chains were qualitatively similar to normal rabbit gamma-globulin light chains in the amino-terminal region, but quantitative differences were readily apparent.