Idiotypes and Idiotypic Networks

Abstract

THE central feature of the immune system is its diversity. We can appreciate that from the numerous variations in immunoglobulin molecules: a mouse weighing only an ounce has the capacity to make 100 million different antibodies.¹ The advantage of such flexibility in a world of hostile microbes is self-evident. But not so obvious is the effect of antibody diversity on the immune system itself. Is the immune system a Janus, with one face scrutinizing antigens of the external environment and another monitoring its own variations? Does the very large number of antibody structures actually represent a private, internal code of . . .