VH gene family utilization of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis

J Neuroimmunol. 1993 Mar;43(1-2):113-24. doi: 10.1016/0165-5728(93)90081-9.

Abstract

The immunoglobulin heavy chain (VH) gene family usage in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) model was investigated by RNA slot blot hybridization using VH gene family specific probes. Anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) isolated from susceptible C57BL/6 and resistant BALB/c mice were found to be encoded by VH genes from at least six different families. The Vgam3.8 family was overrepresented in alpha-bungarotoxin blocking mAbs. Expression of cross-reactive idiotypes by anti-AChR mAbs was irrespective of the VH gene family usage. Strain dependent differences in susceptibility for EAMG were not reflected in an aberrant VH gene family usage of anti-AChR mAbs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Autoantibodies / genetics
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / genetics
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Genes, Immunoglobulin*
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / genetics*
  • Immunoglobulin Idiotypes / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin Variable Region / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Myasthenia Gravis / genetics
  • Myasthenia Gravis / immunology*
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / immunology*
  • Species Specificity
  • Torpedo

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Autoantibodies
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
  • Immunoglobulin Idiotypes
  • Immunoglobulin Variable Region
  • Receptors, Cholinergic