All VH11 genes expressed in peritoneal lymphocytes encode anti‐bromelain‐treated mouse red blood cell autoantibodies but other VH gene families contribute to this specificity

Abstract

We have studied the relationship between B cell reactivity to bromelain‐treated autologous mouse erythrocytes (BrMRBC) and expression of the V_H11 gene family in splenic, peritoneal and pleuropericardial cell populations from normal C57BL/6 mice. B lymphocytes producing antibodies to BrMRBC were selectively enriched or depleted from normal populations by rosette formation with BrMRBC, followed by centrifugation over density gradients. This selection method, based on the presence of functional receptors (membrane IgM), is harmless for the cells and allowed subsequent cloning in agar (colony‐forming unit‐B). The utilization of the 10 V_H gene families was then scored in mRNA colony blot assays. The analysis of > 650 anti‐BrMRBC clones and > 350 V_H11‐expressing colonies indicates that about half of those antibody reactivities are encoded by V_H11 genes. Furthermore, it appears that all V_H11‐expressing B cells in the peritoneal cavity produce anti‐BrMRBC antibodies.