The effect of light chain gene expression on the inheritance of an idiotype associated with primary anti-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl(NP) antibodies

Direct reduction of antigen receptor expression in polyclonal B cell populations developing in vivo results in light chain receptor editing

Secondary Ab V region gene segment rearrangement, termed receptor editing, is a major mechanism contributing to B lymphocyte self-tolerance. However, the parameters that determine whether a B cell undergoes editing are a current subject of debate. We tested the role that the level of BCR expression plays in the regulation of receptor editing in a polyclonal population of B cells differentiating in vivo. Expression of a short hairpin RNA for κ L chain RNA in B cells resulted in reduction in levels of this RNA and surface BCRs. Strikingly, fully mature and functional B cells that developed in vivo and efficiently expressed the short hairpin RNA predominantly expressed BCRs containing λ light chains. This shift in L chain repertoire was accompanied by inhibition of development, increased Rag gene expression, and increased λ V gene segment-cleavage events at the immature B cell stage. These data demonstrated that reducing the translation of BCRs that are members of the natural repertoire at the immature B cell stage is sufficient to promote editing.

A single DH gene segment is sufficient for the establishment of an asthma phenotype in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation

BACKGROUND

We have previously shown that the allergic sensitization to ovalbumin does not represent a superantigen-like immune response. In gene-targeted mice (ΔD-iD) with a single modified Diversity gene segment (D(H)) of the immunoglobulin heavy chain, enriched for charged amino acids, the asthma phenotype in a murine model was markedly alleviated compared to wild-type animals.

OBJECTIVE

We now sought to determine whether the confinement to a single D(H) gene segment alone leads to a reduced allergic phenotype.

METHODS

We examined another gene-targeted mouse strain (ΔD-DFL) with a single D(H) gene segment which encodes for neutral amino acids, thus reflecting the preferential repertoire in wild-type mice. Mice were sensitized intraperitoneally to ovalbumin.

RESULTS

Despite the constraint to a single D(H) gene segment, ΔD-DFL mice mounted high total and allergen-specific IgG(1) and IgE serum levels after sensitization to ovalbumin. The affinity constants of allergen-specific IgG(1) antibodies did not differ between ΔD-DFL and wild type. Following challenge with aerosolized allergen, a marked local T(H)2 cytokine response and an eosinophilic airway inflammation developed. Quantitative histology revealed increased mucus production and intense goblet cell metaplasia which were identical to those in wild type. Moreover, ΔD-DFL mice developed an airway hyperreactivity to methacholine and to the specific allergen, which both did not differ from those in wild-type animals.

CONCLUSION

A single D(H) gene segment is sufficient for the establishment of the asthma phenotype in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation. Thus, the allergic phenotype depends on the amino acid composition and not on the diversity of the classical antigen-binding site.

Genetic control of DH reading frame and its effect on B-cell development and antigen-specifc antibody production

The power of the adaptive immune system to identify novel antigens depends on the ability of lymphocytes to create antigen receptors with diverse antigen-binding sites. For immunoglobulins, CDR (complementarity-determining region)-H3 lies at the center of the antigen-binding site, where it often plays a key role in antigen binding. It is created de novo by VDJ rearrangement and is thus the focus for rearrangement-dependent diversity. CDR-H3 is biased for the inclusion of tyrosine. In seeking to identify the mechanisms controlling CDR-H3 amino acid content, we observed that the coding sequence of DH gene segments demonstrate conservation of reading frame (RF)-specific sequence motifs, with RF1 enriched for tyrosine and depleted of hydrophobic and charged amino acids. Use of DH RF1 in functional VDJ transcripts is preferred from the earliest stages of B-cell development, "pushing" CDR-H3 to include specific categories of tyrosine-enriched antigen-binding sites. With development and maturation, the composition of the CDR-H3 repertoire appears to be pulled into a more refined specific range. Forcing the use of alternative DH RFs by means of gene targeting alters the expressed repertoire, enriching alternative sequence categories. This change in the repertoire variably affects antibody production and the development of specific B-cell subsets.

Preferential use of DH reading frame 2 alters B cell development and antigen-specific antibody production

All jawed vertebrates limit use of D(H) reading frames (RFs) that are enriched for hydrophobic amino acids. In BALB/c mice, DFL16.1 RF2 encodes valine and isoleucine. To test whether increased use of RF2 affects B cell function, we examined B cell development and Ab production in mice with an IgH allele (DeltaD-DmicroFS) limited to use of a single, frameshifted DFL61.1 gene segment. We compared the results of these studies to wild-type mice, as well as those previously obtained in mice limited to use of either a single normal D(H) or a single inverted D(H) that forces use of arginine in CDR-H3. All three of the mouse strains limited to a single D(H) produced fewer immature B cells than wild type. However, whereas mice limited to a single normal D(H) achieved normal B cell numbers in the periphery, mice forced to preferentially use RF2 had reduced numbers of mature B cells in the spleen and bone marrow, mirroring the pattern previously observed in mice enriched for charged CDR-H3s. There were two exceptions. B cells in the mice using RF2 normally populated the marginal zone and peritoneal cavity, whereas mice using inverted RF1 had increased numbers of marginal zone B cells and decreased numbers of B1a cells. When challenged with several T-dependent or T-independent Ags, Ag-specific Ab titers in the mice forced to use RF2 were altered. These findings indicate that B cell development and Ag-specific Ab production can be heavily influenced by the global amino acid content of the CDR-H3 repertoire.

Forced usage of positively charged amino acids in immunoglobulin CDR-H3 impairs B cell development and antibody production

Tyrosine and glycine constitute 40% of complementarity determining region 3 of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (CDR-H3), the center of the classic antigen-binding site. To assess the role of D_H RF1-encoded tyrosine and glycine in regulating CDR-H3 content and potentially influencing B cell function, we created mice limited to a single D_H encoding asparagine, histidine, and arginines in RF1. Tyrosine and glycine content in CDR-H3 was halved. Bone marrow and spleen mature B cell and peritoneal cavity B-1 cell numbers were also halved, whereas marginal zone B cell numbers increased. Serum immunoglobulin G subclass levels and antibody titers to T-dependent and T-independent antigens all declined. Thus, violation of the conserved preference for tyrosine and glycine in D_H RF1 alters CDR-H3 content and impairs B cell development and antibody production.

A single DH gene segment creates its own unique CDR-H3 repertoire and is sufficient for B cell development and immune function

To test the contribution of individual D gene segments to B cell development and function, we used gene targeting to create mice that contain only DFL16.1 in the DH locus. We term this D-limited IgH allele DeltaD-DFL. Although the absolute number of IgM+IgD- B cells in the bone marrow was decreased, homozygous DeltaD-DFL BALB/c mice contained normal numbers of IgM+IgD+ B cells in bone marrow and spleen and normal numbers of B1a, B1b, and B2 cells in the peritoneal cavity. Bone marrow IgM+IgD+ B cells express a CDR-H3 repertoire similar in length and amino acid composition to the DFL16.1 subset of the wild-type BALB/c repertoire but divergent from sequences that do not contain DFL16.1. This similarity in content is the product of both germline bias and somatic selection, especially in the transition to the mature IgM+IgD+ stage of development. Serum Ig concentrations and the humoral immune response to a T-dependent Ag ([4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl]acetyl hapten) were nearly identical to wild-type littermate controls. A greater variance in the immune response to the T-independent Ag (alpha(1-->3)-dextran) was observed in DeltaD-DFL homozygotes, with half of the mice exhibiting levels below the range exhibited by controls. Although limited to a repertoire specific to DFL16.1, the presence of a single DH gene segment of normal sequence was sufficient for development of normal numbers of mature B cells and for robust humoral immune function.

Somatic hypermutation in mouse lambda chains

The frequency and distribution of somatic hypermutation in immunoglobulin genes and the effect of amino acid substitution on the structure/function of antibodies were studied using hybridomas that secrete anti-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP) monoclonal antibodies bearing lambda 1 chains. A high frequency of mutation was observed in V-J exons and J-C introns of rearranged and active lambda 1 chains but not in the 5'-non-coding regions of these chains. Since a similar distribution was observed in inactive lambda 2 chain genes, 5'-non-coding regions containing a promoter were considered to be protected from mutation in view of their apparent importance. Using transgenic mice carrying chloramphenicol acetyl transferase transgenes driven by the VH promoter and heavy-chain intron enhancer, it was also revealed that these cis-acting elements are important in the induction of somatic hypermutation and are capable of inducing mutation even in non-immunoglobulin genes. Affinity of anti-NP Abs to NP increased with time after immunization to approximately 8,000-fold (affinity maturation); however, fine specificity, such as heteroclicity, remained unchanged. Memory B cells, which are responsible for affinity maturation, were analyzed in terms of the mutation from Trp to Leu at position 33, a change known to raise affinity about 10-fold and considered to be a memory B-cell marker. These cells were found predominantly in the early stage (2-3-week) hybridomas but rarely in late stage (> 12-week) ones, suggesting that a dynamic change in the memory B-cell population occurs during the immunization process.

A single amino acid substitution in the variable region of the light chain specifically blocks immunoglobulin secretion

Although immunoglobulin light chains are usually secreted in association with heavy chains, free light chains can be secreted by lymphocytes. To identify the structural features of light chains that are essential for their secretion, we mutated a conserved sequence in the variable domain of a lambda I light chain. The effects of the mutations on secretion were assayed by transient expression in COS-1 cells. One mutant (AV60), which replaced Ala-60 with Val, was secreted as efficiently as wild-type lambda I by transfected COS-1 cells. This result was not surprising because secreted lambda II chains contain valine in this position. However, a second lambda I mutant (AV60FS62), which replaced Phe-62 with Ser as well as Ala-60 with Val, was not secreted. This mutant was arrested in the endoplasmic reticulum, as judged by immunofluorescence and by its association with a lumenal endoplasmic reticulum protein, immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP). The defect in secretion was not due to gross misfolding of the lambda I chain, since cells cotransfected with AV60FS62 and an immunoglobulin heavy chain gene produced functional antigen-binding antibodies. These assembled IgM molecules were still not secreted. Hence, the replacement of Phe-62 with Ser specifically affects a determinant on the lambda I light chain that is necessary for the intracellular transport of this molecule.

Production and immunoselection of IgM-IgA hybridomas: preparing immunoglobulins with dual binding specificity

Fusion between the thioguanine resistant myeloma cell line MOPC-315 [which produces alpha, lambda-2 antibodies specific to the 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) hapten] and a long term in vivo maintained hybridoma 6100.15 [which produces mu, lambda-1 antibodies specific to the 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl acetyl (NP) hapten] resulted in the generation of 12 hybridomas. These hybridomas secrete a mixed family of immunoglobulins (Ig) that bind both DNP and NP and express both IgM and IgA serological determinants. Affinity purified molecules from NP, DNP, anti-mu, or anti-alpha immunosorbents react with both anti-mu and anti-alpha antisera, suggesting that these Ig represent IgM-IgA hybrid molecules. This conclusion was supported by idiotypic analyses. To determine the roles of individual immunoglobulin chains in determining antibody specificity this IgM-IgA hybridoma was used for immunoselection. Following lysis with specific anti-mu and anti-idiotype antibodies, an alpha+, mu- variant clone (A12) was identified, which secreted Ig that binds DNP but not NP. The DNP binding proteins were shown to express alpha, lambda-1 and lambda-2 chains. In contrast, the Ig which lack DNP binding activity only expressed alpha and lambda-1 determinants. The combined results demonstrate that the lambda-1 chain from 6100.15 hybridoma cannot replace lambda-2 of MOPC-315 for DNP binding activity. These data imply that these closely related lambda chains carry sites critical for antigen binding activity. An IgM-IgA hybridoma variant (MA2) which secretes Ig that binds to NP and DNP and expresses mu, alpha and lambda-2 chains was also characterized. This molecule lacked a lambda-1 chain. To determine if the Ig prepared with heterologous mu and lambda-2 chains had NP binding activity required immunoselection of a fourth clone (M2). M2 secretes homogeneous Ig bearing only mu and lambda-2 chains. In contrast to either parental Ig, the M2 antibody molecules express dual binding activity to both NP and DNP. Thus, critical amino acid substitutions in the MOPC-315 lambda-2 sequence are required for DNA binding specificity.

Polyclonal antibodies specific for liganded active site (metatype) of a high affinity anti-hapten monoclonal antibody

Syngeneic polyclonal antibodies were elicited to an affinity labeled high affinity (2-3 X 10(10) M-1) anti-fluorescein murine IgG2a monoclonal antibody. Hyperimmune ascites fluid was tested for reactivity with homologous liganded, affinity labeled and non-liganded Fab fragments derived from the high affinity antibody. Binding results demonstrated antibody specificity for the liganded or affinity labeled site, but no reactivity with either the non-liganded form or the fluorescyl ligand. Kinetic analysis showed that the rate of dissociation of the fluorescein ligand was slowed down significantly upon binding of the anti-affinity labeled reagent to the liganded antibody. Antibodies specific for the affinity labeled prototype were not reactive with the liganded form of an IgM monoclonal anti-fluorescyl antibody of the same affinity but idiotypically unrelated. Results of the immunological studies suggested that the antibody active site stabilized by bound ligand differed from the idiotype of the antibody. The term "metatype" was proposed for the immunological definition of the liganded active site to distinguish it from idiotype (non-liganded). The general nature of metatopes is discussed in terms of conformational or sequential epitopes.

Somatic mutation in anti-phosphorylcholine antibodies

A detailed analysis of the genes and proteins that participate in the murine immune response to PC has provided key insights at the structural level into the phenomenon of somatic mutation in B cells. Most anti-PC antibodies are encoded by 1 VH gene of the S107 subfamily, and 3 VK genes, VKT15 of the VK22 subfamily, VKM3 from the VK8 subfamily, and VK167 from the VK24 subfamily. No mutation was detected in these genes until the 2nd wk after immunization, indicating that mutation is under developmental control. The protein sequences of 73 heavy and light chains derived from the secondary response support the concept of developmental activation of mutation after antigen stimulation. No mutation was found in the IgM antibodies, whereas half of the IgG and IgA antibodies had mutation. Most of the mutated antibodies had higher affinity for antigen than their germline counterparts, which suggests that the major role of somatic mutation is to increase affinity rather than to create new specificities. Nucleotide sequencing established two hallmarks of mutation in immunoglobulin genes: mutations are targeted to a 1 kilobase region surrounding and including the rearranged variable gene, and they occur at an extraordinary frequency of 10(-2) nucleotide substitutions. Mutation is probably caused by DNA repair, and may occur during error-prone repair of nicked DNA around the variable gene or during mismatch repair of misaligned structural intermediates. The elucidation of this remarkable mechanism clearly requires studies of a more dynamic character. Two major questions that need to be answered are: what targets mutation to the variable gene, and what enzymes are involved?

Maturation of the immune response to (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)-acetyl (NP) haptens in C57BL/6 mice

Changes with time in specificity and affinity of anti-NP antibodies in C57BL/6 mice after immunization with NP22-chicken gamma-globulin (CGG) were studied by comparing the abilities of the antibodies to bind to NP3-bovine serum albumin (NP3-BSA) at pH 5 and 8. Early anti-NP antibodies (on day 14 after immunization) bound to NP3-BSA at pH 8, but not pH 5. This pH-dependence of binding was explained in terms of the low affinity of the antibody to the phenolic form of NP on the basis of results of fluorescence quenching titration of a monoclonal anti-NP antibody that showed similar specificity to that of the early anti-NP antibodies. Since NP on the CGG molecule ionized with an apparent pK of about 7.4, more than half the NP should be in the unionized (phenolic) form under the immunization conditions. However, early anti-NP antibodies bound preferentially to the ionized (phenolate) form of NP, which was a minor form at neutral pH, whereas later anti-NP antibodies showed ability to bind to both the phenolate and phenolic forms of NP. This change in specificity with time was observed on immunization with T cell-dependent (TD) antigens such as NP-CGG and NP keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), but not with a T cell-independent (TI) antigen such as NP-Ficoll. The heavy (H) chains from the two monoclonal antibodies 3G6 and 3C6, which bound to the phenolate form and both the phenolate and phenolic forms, respectively, were recombined with lambda 1 chains (L3G6 and L3C6) from these antibodies as well as a lambda 1 chain (LHOPC-1) with the amino acid sequence of the germline. Ability to bind to the phenolate form of NP was recovered in all the reconstituted IgGs, while ability to bind to both the phenolate and phenolic form of NP was observed only with IgG reconstituted from H3C6 and L3C6. These results suggest that the specificity corresponding to early anti-NP antibodies were generated even by lambda 1 chains of a germline sequence, but that of late anti-NP antibodies was expressed only by an appropriate pair of H and L chains. The contribution of amino acid substitution by somatic point mutation to the change of specificity with time was discussed.

Altered repertoire of endogenous immunoglobulin gene expression in transgenic mice containing a rearranged mu heavy chain gene

C57BL/6 mice transgenic for a mu heavy chain gene, the VDJ region of which came from the BALB/c hybridoma 17.2.25, expressed high levels of antibody carrying determinants specific for the transgene (idiotypes). The individual antibodies made by hybridomas from transgenic mice, however, were generally encoded by endogenous genes; in most cases the transgene was present but not expressed. The endogenous, idiotype-positive antibodies had heavy chains that were notable for the high frequencies of JH4 (as in the transgene) and VH segments from the VH81X family (unrelated to the transgene). The expression of endogenous genes mimicking the idiotype of the transgene suggests that a rearranged gene introduced into the germ line can activate powerful cellular regulatory influences.

Cloning of mitogen- and antigen-reactive B lymphocytes on filter paper discs. II. Paratope frequencies within the mitogen-selected repertoire

Paratopic frequencies of C57BL/6 (Igh-Vb) and BALB/c (Igh-Va) mice were compared by determining the frequency of lipopolysaccharide-reactive, splenic B lymphocytes secreting antibody specific for (4-hydroxy-5-iodo-3-nitrophenyl) acetyl (NIP), trinitrophenyl (TNP), phosphorylcholine (PC), NIP/TNP, NIP/PC, and sheep erythrocytes. Despite the known genotypic and phenotypic differences between the two Igh-V loci, no significant differences in paratope frequencies were demonstrated. Similar determinations in C.B-20 mice, Ighb congenics of the BALB/c strain, and in C57BL/10 nude mice indicated that the mitogen-generated paratope frequencies directly reflected the capacity of immunoglobulin variable region elements rather than complex interactive or regulatory controls to generate diversity. We conclude that at least for the paratopic repertoire, the role of the somatic processes for the generation of antibody diversity exceeds the influence of germ-line differences between the Ighb and Igha haplotypes.

Several V genes participate in the early phenyloxazolone response in various combinations

Seventeen monoclonal anti-2-phenyloxazolone antibodies from the early (day 7) primary response were partially sequenced with an mRNA method. Ten antibodies expressed the VH-Ox1 gene. The remaining seven express at least four but probably six different germ-line VH genes belonging to Dildrop's groups 1, 5, 6 and 7 (Immunol. Today 1984. 5: 85). Two of them have been met before in other antibodies, one (group 6) in J606 and the other (group 7) in antibodies to the influenza virus hemagglutinin. Eleven kappa chains were partially sequenced and five of them (all VH-Ox1 antibodies) express the V kappa-Ox1 gene. One expresses another germ-line gene of the V kappa-Ox1 family, one the V kappa 89.4 gene, three the V kappa 45.1 gene and one a new V kappa gene. The V kappa 45.1 gene was found to form anti-phOx antibodies with two new VH genes. The frequency of somatic mutations in day 7 antibodies was estimated by comparing germ-line sequences and antibody sequences. It is low (one mutation per 2500 nucleotides sequenced), twenty times lower than in antibodies obtained a week later. Two anti-idiotype antisera (495 and 260) are useful in the typing of monoclonal antibodies. 260 bound only to antibodies coded by both VH-Ox1 and V kappa-Ox1 genes. 495 bound strongly to antibodies coded by the VH-Ox1 gene and weakly to antibodies coded by the (related) VH101 gene regardless of the light chain partner.

Heavy chain variable region. Multiple gene segments encode anti-4-(hydroxy-3-nitro-phenyl)acetyl idiotypic antibodies

The hapten (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP), when conjugated to carrier proteins, elicits a characteristic idiotypic response (NPb) in C57BL/6 mice. The response can be divided serologically into two distinct NPb-positive groups of antibodies. The first group consists of four crossreacting subgroups (I-IV), the second of two subgroups (V, VI). Some antibodies of subgroups I and II have been shown to express the unmutated heavy chain variable region (VH) germline gene 186.2. Antibodies of subgroups V and VI crossreact extensively with the NPa-positive antibodies of BALB/c mice. We sequenced heavy chain complementary DNA from eight hybridomas producing anti-NP antibodies. Six of these belong to subgroups V and VI, and two were NPa-positive hybridomas of BALB/c origin. All sequences were homologous to each other, and differed by approximately 80 basepairs from the 186.2 C57BL/6 germline VH gene. From our sequence and Southern blot analyses we suggest: (a) the NPb idiotypic response is the product of several VH germline genes, (b) some of these genes are very homologous to the gene coding for the BALB/c NPa idiotype, and might represent the C57BL/6 allelic forms of this gene, (c) the diversity regions of NPb and NPa-positive antibodies are diverse in length and amino acid composition, except for the first residue, which is always tyrosine, (d) all four heavy chain joining region gene segments are expressed without mutation. We discuss our data in terms of diversity in the germline VH gene repertoire, as well as diversity created by gene segment-joining events and somatic mutation.

Cloning of mitogen- and antigen-reactive B lymphocytes on filter paper discs. I. A description of the technique and of methods for the analysis of colonies

A novel technique for establishing short term clones of antigen- or mitogen-activated splenic B lymphocytes is described. Spleen cells are plated onto the surface of filter paper discs and subsequently stimulated by antigen or mitogen in situ; activated B cells proliferate and differentiate into pure colonies of cells analogous to bacterial colonies growing on agar. These colonies of lymphocytes may be characterized in a series of replica hemolytic-plaque, autoradiographic, or immunoenzyme assays making possible a full characterization of the frequency of secreted idiotopes and paratopes and of the cells that produce them. Colony induction by either antigen or mitogen occurs under identical conditions, thus a rigorous comparison between the mitogen-selected and antigen-selected antibody repertoires may be made.

Mechanism of neonatally induced idiotype suppression and its relevance for the acquisition of self-tolerance

We present an analysis of the elimination of a monoclonal anti-idiotope antibody injected into C57BL/6 mice on the day of birth. During the first 4 weeks of life the antibody is eliminated from the circulation with a slow half-life, ranging from 15-18 days. This finding makes sense biologically as the animals depend at that time on maternally transmitted antibodies. After 4 weeks elimination speeds up considerably. The rate of elimination appears to be the same for a 1 microgram and a 100 microgram dose. The elimination data and previous results on the specificity, duration and cellular basis of idiotype suppression induced by the monoclonal anti-idiotope fit into the following model of idiotype suppression, which is in good accord with other experimental evidence on idiotype and allotype suppression in the literature: suppression depends strictly on the concentration of anti-idiotope in the cellular environment. As long as it is in the microgram range, the generation of idiotope-bearing B cells from pre-B cells is prevented. The system recovers quickly from this type of suppression, as soon as the concentration of anti-idiotope falls below that range. A second type of suppression is also induced in the anti-idiotope-treated animals. It is long-lived (8-10 weeks longer that the first type), has a peculiar specificity in that it affects, in our particular case, only a certain subset of the antibodies bearing the target idiotope, and involves regulatory T (and possibly B) cells which prevent the functional maturation of B cells expressing those antibodies in the animal. Suppression of this type also depends strictly on anti-idiotope concentration and is induced either at the time when the generation of idiotope-bearing B cells from pre-B cells is still inhibited or just thereafter, when such cells begin to appear in the system and the anti-idiotope concentration is still at a few hundred nanograms per ml. Experimental evidence indicates that in the induction of suppression, the primary target of the anti-idiotope are idiotope-bearing antibodies variable regions. We assume that those variable regions, complexed by anti-idiotope are the inducers of regulatory (suppressive) T cells. Idiotype suppression may also be induced upon interaction of antibody variable regions (and possibly other receptors) with ligands other than anti-idiotypic antibodies. We, therefore, think that idiotype suppression not only establishes self-tolerance within the antibody system, but is a mechanism of self-tolerance in general.

Restricted association of V and J-C gene segments for mouse lambda chains

The frequencies of diverse rearrangements of variable (V)lambda to joining (J)lambda gene segments were examined by Southern blot hybridization in 30 murine B-cell lines, each producing an immunoglobulin lambda light chain of known subtype (lambda 1, lambda 2, or lambda 3). For 11 out of 12 lambda 1 chains, the rearrangement was V lambda 1----J lambda 1; for 9 out of 9 lambda 2 chains, it was V lambda 2----J lambda 2; and for 8 out of 9 lambda 3 chains, it was V lambda 1----J lambda 3. Similar results were obtained by considering the partial or complete sequences at the amino acid or cDNA level of 44 other lambda chains (24 previously described): for 43 of these chains the rearranged V-J gene segments were evidently V lambda 1-J lambda 1 for 28 lambda 1 chains, V lambda 2-J lambda 2 for 10 lambda 2 chains, and V lambda 1-J lambda 3 for 5 lambda 3 chains. Of the combined total of 74 chains there were 3 with unusual V lambda rearrangements, all involving the V lambda 2 gene segment: for 2 of these unusual chains, the encoding segments were V lambda 2-J lambda 1-C lambda 1 and for one they were V lambda 2-J lambda 3-C lambda 3. Thus, the results for all 74 lambda chains show that, in contrast to the apparently unrestricted V kappa----J kappa rearrangements for kappa chains, for each of the 3 murine lambda-chain subtypes V-J recombination is severely restricted: the V lambda gene segment expressed in lambda 1 and lambda 3 chains was nearly always V lambda 1 (95% and 93%, respectively), whereas in lambda 2 chains it was without exception V lambda 2 (19 out of 19 chains). Therefore V lambda-J lambda combinatorial variation is not a significant source of amino acid sequence diversity of lambda chains of inbred mice. If the order of the lambda gene segments is 5' V lambda 2-J lambda 2C lambda 2J lambda 4C lambda 4-V lambda 1-J lambda 3C lambda 3J lambda 1C lambda 1 3', as suggested previously and by the present findings, it appears that (i) when a V lambda gene segment rearranges in a developing B cell it ordinarily recombines with a J lambda gene segment in the nearest downstream (3') cluster of J lambda C lambda segments, and (ii) V lambda rearrangement to the upstream (5') cluster is very rare and possibly may not take place at all.

Heterogeneous and monoclonal helper T cells induce similar anti-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP) antibody populations in the primary adoptive response. II. Lambda light chain dominance and idiotope expression

When the hapten (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP) is presented on different carrier molecules, different anti-NP antibody responses are stimulated. On stimulation with NP-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) [T-independent type 1 (TI-1) antigen] kappa + antibodies are the major population, whereas on stimulation with NP-Ficoll [T-independent type 2 (TI-2) antigen], NP-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) or NP-chicken gamma globulin (CG) [T-dependent (TD) antigens], lambda 1+ antibodies dominate. The relative contribution of idiotopes Ac38 or Ac146 to the lambda 1+ anti-NP response was also different on comparison of TI-1 with TI-2 or TD anti-NP responses. We investigated whether light chain- or idiotype-specific T cells are responsible for these differences. Analysis of the anti-NP response of nude mice after immunization with NP-Ficoll showed lambda 1 dominance. Likewise primary adoptive transfer experiments using carrier-specific T cell lines to reconstitute the TD anti-NP response to NP-KLH or NP-CG, showed that help from carrier-specific T cells alone is capable of stimulating the characteristic lambda 1 dominant response. No significant difference could be found in the levels of Ac38 and Ac146 idiotope expression between mice reconstituted with splenic T cells and those reconstituted with T cell lines. These results suggest that light chain- or idiotype-specific T cells are required neither for the production of lambda 1 light chain dominance, nor for the appearance of idiotopes characteristic of the primary anti-NP response. The possible reasons for differences seen in both light chain and idiotope expression between primary anti-NP responses to the TI-1 antigen NP-LPS and those to TD or TI-2 antigens are discussed.

Expression of defined idiotypes throughout the BALB/c anti-fluorescyl antibody response: affinity and idiotype analyses of heterogeneous antibodies

Heterogeneous BALB/c anti-fluorescyl antibodies were shown to display increases (greater than 50-fold) in binding affinity from the primary through the tertiary responses. The structural basis of such affinity maturation and the diversity exhibited by anti-fluorescyl antibodies was examined by idiotypic analysis using a panel of anti-idiotype reagents specific for seven different monoclonal antifluorescyl antibodies. Because these clones exhibited binding affinities characteristic of a secondary or hyperimmune response, it was possible to examine the mechanism of affinity maturation by determining the prevalence of the seven idiotypes (Id-4-4-20, Id-20-19-1, Id-20-20-3, Id-6-10-6, Id-20-4-4, Id-4-6-10 and Id-6-19-1) in specifically purified heterogeneous preparations with low (i.e. primary response) or high (i.e. secondary and tertiary responses) binding affinities. Four of the idiotypes were not detected in heterogeneous preparations and thus each represented less than 0.1% of the total anti-fluorescein repertoire. Although results indicated that each of three other clones expressed unique or private idiotypic determinants not present in the heterogeneous population, these idiotypes (Id-4-4-20, Id-6-10-6, Id-6-19-1) were detected and ranged from approximately 0.2 to 2.0% of the repertoire. However, results indicated that each clone expressed unique or private idiotypic determinants not present in the heterogeneous population. Determinants expressed by such high-affinity monoclonal antibodies were expressed equally in all heterogeneous preparations examined. Because those determinants which were expressed were found in either low- or high-affinity heterogeneous antibodies, it is likely that the higher affinities exhibited by monoclonal antibodies derived from a secondary response are associated with unique idiotypic determinants which were not detected in polyclonal preparations. Hence, the process of affinity maturation may find as its structural correlate a mechanism such as somatic mutation which generates individual or unique idiotypes.

The immune response against anti-idiotope antibodies II. The induction of antibodies bearing the target idiotope (Ab3 beta) depends on the frequency of the corresponding B cells

In the present study we use two monoclonal anti-idiotope antibodies (Ac38 and Ac146; Ab1) against the germ line-encoded, lambda 1 chain-bearing and (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP)-binding antibody B1-8 (Ab1) for the induction of complementary antibodies (Ab3) and ask the question to what extent antibodies bearing B1-8-like idiotopes (Ab3 beta) are represented in the Ab3 population. In this experimental system, Ab3 beta is distinguished from the remaining Ab3 population (Ab3 alpha) by three properties which Ab3 beta may share with B1-8: (a) the binding of NP, (b) the binding to Ac146 (if induced by Ac38) or the binding to Ac38 (if induced by 146) and (c) that they carry lambda 1 chains. Antibodies with all three properties are induced in low amounts by both anti-idiotopes. Also, Ac146 induces only Ab3 alpha (bearing kappa chains and not binding NP and Ac38). In contrast, Ac38 triggers almost exclusively a lambda 1 chain-bearing response, i.e. Ab3 beta. The response has an unusually large size, reaches its maximum after a week and is long-lasting. An analysis at the level of lipopolysaccharide-reactive precursor B cells demonstrates that, in this case, cells expressing Ab3 beta occur at exceedingly high frequency (approximately equal to 10(-3] and are at least 10 times more frequent than cells expressing Ab3 alpha. The high frequency of Ab3 beta-expressing cells correlates with the contribution of several VH, D and J genes to the expression of this particular idiotope. In the case of the Ac146 anti-idiotope antibody, the response is dominated by Ab3 alpha. Ab3 beta represents less than 10% of the total response, reaches maximal levels 2 weeks after immunization and declines rapidly. This correlates with a low frequency of precursor B cells expressing Ab3 beta (approximately equal to 10(-5] and a restriction of the corresponding idiotope to rare VH-D combinations, caused presumably by a stringent contribution of the H chain to this idiotope which covers the NP-binding site. Our data suggest that anti-idiotypic antibodies (Ab2) against Ab1 will preferentially induce antibodies idiotypically related to Ab1 if the corresponding idiotopes are expressed in high frequency in the B cell compartment. This is expected in cases where Ab2 recognizes an idiotope that can be formed by many germ line-encoded VH-D-VL-combinations.

Idiotypic and fine specificity analysis of a (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP)-specific suppressor T cell hybridoma at the level of cell surface structures, isolated receptor material and functional suppressor factor

The (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP)-specific T suppressor cell hybridoma 7C3-13 was established by fusing splenic B10.BR T cells enriched on NP-coated petri dishes with the AKR thymoma BW5147. 7C3-13 was selected by anti-NPb idiotypic and anti-I-Jk antibodies in microcytotoxicity tests. The hybridoma expressed H-2k, I-Jk, Qa-1, Thy-1.1 as well as idiotypic (binding site-related) and framework Ig VH determinants, while it was negative for I-A, I-E/C, Thy-1.2, Lyt-1, Lyt-2 and Ig constant region determinants. Hapten-binding receptor material could be isolated from 7C3-13 cells on NP-coupled nylon nets and functionally active T suppressor factor (TsF) could be extracted from the hybridoma. Both types of soluble molecules express NPb idiotype, but the TsF carries I-J determinants in addition while the isolated receptors do not. The molecular weight of the isolated receptor material is 80 000, that of the TsF activity is 27 000 and 57 000-64 000, respectively. We thus were able to show that NP-binding molecules can be obtained in the form of cellular surface receptors, isolated receptor material and extracted TsF from one and the same, monoclonal, cell source.

The expression of a set of antibody variable regions in lipopolysaccharide-reactive B cells at various stages of ontogeny and its control by anti-idiotypic antibody

An analysis is presented in which we measure the expression of a subset of antibody variable (V) regions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-reactive precursor B cells at various stages of ontogeny. The V regions were characterized by hapten (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP)-binding specifity and/or expression of idiotypic determinants whose genetic basis had been explored in previous studies. Only V regions containing the V lambda 1 domain were considered: this allowed an unequivocal determination of idiotopes and reduced heterogeneity in the system essentially to the multiplicity of VH and D genes. It was found that approximately every fourth lambda 1-bearing LPS-reactive splenic B cell produces an NP-binding antibody. Approximately 1 in 40 lambda 1-bearing cells expressed an idiotope (Ac38) which is encoded by V lambda 1 and a set of related VH genes in combination with D and J elements. Of these cells, only a minority produce an NP-binding antibody and a few percent of the latter express a second idiotope (Ac146) which is known to be restricted to a subset of Ac38-positive, NP-binding humoral antibodies. All these frequencies are in good accord with previous analyses of anti-idiotope-induced antibodies in the serum. They can be easily accommodated into a simple model of random selection of VH genes in LPS-reactive B lymphocytes. The frequencies of the V regions under study were essentially the same in LPS-reactive B cells from spleens of adult and newborn animals and in LPS-reactive B cells generated from bone marrow pre-B cells in vitro. In the case of the latter cells the frequencies were independent of the absence or presence of T cells in the culture system. While we could thus detect, in naive mice, neither positive nor negative selection of the cells from the time of their generation in the bone marrow until their arrival in the periphery, negative selection is in principle possible: the presence of microgram amounts of anti-idiotope antibodies during maturation from pre-B to B cells specifically blocks the appearance of idiotope-bearing LPS-reactive cells in vitro. The potential physiological role of the latter effect in the sense of self-stabilization of the expressed antibody repertoire in ongoing immune responses and the possibility that frequency determinations in LPS-reactive B cells may be not representative for the repertoire expressed in the population of mature B cells is discussed.

Structural analysis of monoclonal anti-arsonate antibodies: idiotypic specificities are determined by the heavy chain

Hybrid immunoglobulin molecules were constructed from the isolated heavy and light chains of monoclonal anti-arsonate antibodies which differed in their expression of a cross-reactive idiotype. The reconstructed molecules were tested for public and private idiotypic determinants associated with the A-strain response to the hapten p-azophenylarsonate and it was found that both an appropriate heavy chain and an appropriate light chain were required for expression of idiotypic determinants. While appropriate heavy chains could be derived only from idiotype-positive antibodies, appropriate light chains could be derived not only from idiotype positive antibodies, but also from certain idiotype-negative molecules. Similarly, recombinant (hybrid) molecules constructed from two idiotype-positive immunoglobulins differing quantitatively in the degree of idiotypic character, expressed the character at a level which correlated with that of the heavy chain donor. Thus, while the serological expression of idiotypic determinants occurs only in the context of the appropriate VHVL combination, these data demonstrate that the determinants comprising the major cross-reactive idiotype of the anti-arsonate response of A/J mice have their bases in heavy chain structures.

The immune response against anti-idiotope antibodies. I. Induction of idiotope-bearing antibodies and analysis of the idiotope repertoire

In the present analysis we dissect the idiotype repertoire, independently of hapten-binding specificity, by immunizing different strains of mice with cross-linked monoclonal anti-idiotope antibodies against antibody B1-8. B1-8 is a monoclonal antibody with specificity for the hapten (4-hydroxy-3-nitro-phenyl)acetyl (NP) and carries a germ line gene-encoded variable region. The results demonstrate that the expression of B1-8 idiotopes and their association with each other and with NP-binding specificity are strain-specific. Certain idiotopes are expressed on antibodies differing in antigen-binding specificity, whereas one of the idiotopes appears strictly associated with NP-binding antibodies. The genetic analysis provides strong evidence that the strain specificity of the idiotope repertoire is a result of V region polymorphism in the mouse.

Cross-reactivity of the NPa and NPb idiotypic responses of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice to (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP)

A comparative antigenic analysis was carried out to determine whether cross-reactivity exists between the major idiotypic responses to (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP) in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Extensive cross-reactivity exists between the NPa (BALB/c) and NPb (C57BL/6) allotype-linked idiotypic responses to NP. The cross-reactive determinants of the NPb idiotype are confined to one particular group of NPb-positive monoclonal antibodies. The extent of cross-reactivity between this group of C57BL/6 antibodies and idiotype-positive monoclonal antibodies of BALB/c is so great that they cannot be readily distinguished as NPb- or NPa-positive antibodies with polyclonal anti-idiotypic reagents. That this cross-reactivity is not unique to monoclonal antibodies was confirmed by the demonstration of these cross-reactive determinants in the immunesera of individual BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, evidence was obtained from these experiments and from earlier ones from this laboratory which suggests that the BALB/c idiotypic response to NP-protein conjugate is more homogeneous than the C57BL/6 idiotypic responses.

A small hypervariable segment in the variable domain of an immunoglobulin light chain stimulates formation of anti-idiotypic suppressor T cells

The induction in BALB/c mice of suppressor T cells that block a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to the idiotype of M315, a myeloma protein of BALB/c origin, was examined with a variety of immunoglobulin chains and fragments whose amino acid sequences are known. Normal BALB/c mice receiving either the light chain of M315 (L315, lambda 2 isotype) or the variable (V) domain of this chain prior to sensitization with M315 showed marked suppression of DTH to the M315 idiotype. In contrast, neither the heavy chain nor the variable domain of the heavy chain of M315 affected the DTH response. Two other lambda 2 chains were tested and they also failed to suppress DTH to M315. Comparison of amino acid sequences in the three lambda 2 chains indicates that in L315 at most four V region amino acid substitutions (each resulting from a somatic mutation in the V lambda 2 germ-line gene) determine the specificity of the T-cell suppressor pathway. One of the four is in the framework and probably of negligible importance; the other three, however, are all clustered in the third hypervariable loop of the L315 V domain. The tertiary structure of L315 may also be essential, because disruption of intrachain disulfide bonds abolished the ability of the chain to induce suppression.

Synthesis of lambda 1, lambda 2, and lambda 3 light chains by mouse spleen B cells

To determine whether the infrequency of immunoglobulins with lambda 3 light chains is due to a corresponding scarcity of lambda 3 B cells, the production of the various lambda chain subtypes (lambda 1, lambda 2, and lambda 3) by normal spleen cells was compared. The results showed that lambda 1, lambda 2, and lambda 3 chains are produced in a ratio of about 1.0: 0.7 : 0.3, respectively. The argument is made that lambda 1, lambda 2, and lambda 3 B cells exist in the same ratio. Results obtained with neonatal and nude mouse spleen cells suggest that these small differences are not due to stimulatory effects of environmental antigens or regulatory T cells. The much greater disparity in the abundance of lambda subtypes in various antibody responses and serum Ig suggests that lambda 1 B cells may be more likely than lambda 2 or lambda 3 B cells to differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells.

Characterization of the NPa idiotype through the analysis of monoclonal BALB/c anti-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)acetyl (NP) antibodies

Spleen cells from BALB/c mice were fused with the nonsecreting myeloma line X63.Ag8.6.5.3 seven days after immunization with NP-CG (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl) acetyl-chicken gamma-globulin. The hybrid cell lines obtained were analyzed for heavy and light chain distribution, fine specificity, and idiotype. The majority of monoclonal antibodies possessed either gamma 1 or mu chains. The distribution of L chains among these antibodies was approximately half lambda and half kappa . Thirteen monoclonal antibodies were grown as ascites tumors in mice. Examination of their fine specificity patterns showed that all of the lambda antibodies are heteroclitic and have similar fine specificity patterns. Five of the seven kappa antibodies are also heteroclitic, but their fine specificity patterns are more heterogeneous than those of the lambda antibodies. Polyspecific anti-idiotypic sera directed against pooled primary serum antibody (R a-NPa) or against individual monoclonals were used for idiotypic characterization of the monoclonal antibodies. The Ra-NP bound all of the lambda antibodies but none of the kappa antibodies suggesting that the kappa antibodies may be much more heterogeneous and were therefore not recognized in the presence of the more homogeneous lambda antibodies. Further idiotypic analysis demonstrated that the lambda antibodies, although no two are identical, are a very homogeneous group of antibodies which cross-react with one another but not with the kappa antibodies. Some, but not all, of the kappa antibodies cross-react with each other although none are cross-reactive with the lambda antibodies. Because the lambda-associated idiotype is recognized by the R a-NPa and its characteristics are similar to that of the C57BL/6 major idiotype (NPb), it is referred to as NPa. There may be a second major idiotype associated with at least some of the kappa antibodies.

Idiotype profile of an immune response. I. Contrasts in idiotypic dominance between primary and secondary responses and between IgM and IgG plaque-forming cells

The primary response of A/J mice to p-azobenzenearsonate-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (ABA-KLH) was investigated. A day-by-day analysis at the plaque- forming cell (PFC) level was performed, with inhibition by anti-cross- reactive idiotype (CRI) serum to determine percentage of CRI(+) PFC. A regular pattern in the dynamics of Id (idiotype) dominance was observed. Just as in the NP-b and NP-a systems (9, 12), the major Id (CRI) is more dominant in primary than in secondary or hyperimmune responses. This trend is more apparent in IgG PFC which are generally 80-95 percent CRI(+) at day 10 in the primary response but only 30-40 percent CRI(+) at day 10 in secondary or hyperimmune responses. A somewhat different pattern is seen with IgM PFC. These may reach a peak of 85 percent CRI(+) in the primary response, but secondary or hyperimmune IgM PFC, which are lower in numbers than IgG PFC, remain high in CRI content at approximately 70 percent. The PFC data on extent of id dominance in secondary or hyperimmune responses is fully compatible with previously reported serological data by others. Analysis of IgG PFC by hapten inhibition indicated that heterogeneity was in the order secondary PFC {greater than} primary PFC {greater than} hybridoma AK-2.2 PFC with H(75)/H(25) values of 22.9, 6.2, and 2.7, respectively; where H(75) and H(25) are the hapten concentrations required to give 75 percent and 25 percent of inhibition of PFC, respectively. Hapten inhibition data also suggested that secondary IgG PFC were 10 times higher in median binding avidity for ABA-L-tyrosine than primary IgG PFC. The kinetic analysis strongly indicated that CRI(+) IgM PFC were preferentially switched to IgG PFC in the primary response. In both studies, the CRI content of the earliest-appearing IgG PFC was significantly higher than that of IgM PFC on that day. For example, in one case IgM PFC were 60 percent CRI + on day 6 whereas IgG PFC were 100 percent CRI(+). The high Id dominance and selective isotype switching may have either a B or a T cell basis.

Hapten-specific helper T cells III. Fine specificity of the (4-hydroxy-3-nitro-phenyl)acetyl (NP)-specific response in Igh-1b mice

Helper cells, with specificity for the haptens (4-hydroxy-3-nitro-phenyl)acetyl (NP) or (4-hydroxy-5-iodo-3-nitro-phenyl)acetyl (NIP), were raised in B10.BR mice by in vivo priming and in vitro long-term enrichment with hapten-derivatized syngeneic spleen cells. Upon co-culture with the homologous antigen (NP or NIP self), selected helper cells specifically responded by proliferation and by inducing large numbers of B cells to clonal expansion and immunoglobulin secretion. Criss-cross experiments demonstrated the nonheteroclitic nature of antigen recognition by helper cells, as the proliferative and helper cell activities were in every case one order of magnitude higher when confronted with the homologous hapten used for immunization.

Role and strain distribution of genes controlling light chains needed for the expression of an intrastrain cross-reactive idiotype

Several strains of mice were tested for their capacity to provide immunoglobulin L chains required for the expression of the major cross-reactive idiotype (CRIA) associated with p-azophenylarsonate-specific antibodies of strain A mice. To facilitate testing, mice were bred that were homozygous for Igh-Ce and Lyt-2a, 3a, i.e., they possessed genes controlling H chains but not L chains required for expression of the CRIA. Such male mice were mated to females of various strains and their offspring were tested; expression of CRIA indicated the presence in the female parent of genes controlling the appropriate L chains. All females bearing the Lyt-2a, 3b or Lyt-2b, 3b genotype yielded offspring, most of which were CRIA+, whereas all the offspring of females that were Lyt-2a, 3a were CRIA-. The female parents included mice of several strains that are congenic for Lyt-2a, 3a, Lyt-2b, 3b or Lyt-2a, 3b, thus demonstrating very close linkage between the Lyt loci and the expression of CRIA. In addition, doubly congenic strains of mice with the heavy chain allotype of the CRIA+ AL/N strain and the Lyt-2a, 3a genotype on a BALB/c background failed to express CRIA. The data provide further evidence for the similarity of repertoires of L chains in Lyt-3b mice of various strains. When genes were present controlling A/J H chains and L chains of C57BL/6 or BALB/c origin, the quantitative expression of CRIA was only slightly lower than that observed in A/J mice. Mice possessing genes controlling the H or L chains required for CRIA expression, but not both, did not express CRIA but synthesized Ar-specific antibodies which contained low but significant concentrations of the idiotype-associated chain.

Expression of an idiotype (Id-460) during in vivo anti-dinitrophenyl antibody responses. I. Mapping of genes for Id-460 expression to the variable region of immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus and to the variable region of immunoglobulin kappa-light-chain locus

The genetic contro of the expression of an idiotype (Id-460) associated with the 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-binding BALB/c myeloma protein MOPC 460 was studied using congenic strains of mice. It was shown that the expression of high levels of Id-460 during secondary in vivo anti-DNP-ovalbumin responses was determined by genes governing immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable and kappa-light chain variable regions (V kappa). Appropriate alleles at both loci were required for the expression of Id-460. Genes in the major histocompatability complex and the X-linked immune deficiency gene found in strain CBA/N did not greatly affect Id-460 expression. The V kappa gene controlling Id-460 expression can be differentiated from Lyt-3, and it is the first instance in which expression of an idiotype subdivides the V kappa genes associated with the Lyt-3a allele. Although it is likely that the V kappa gene(s) involved are structural, the involvememt of a regulatory gene linked to the structural gene can not be excluded.