Molecular cloning of a human immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (VH) region with anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein activity

The repertoire of human germline VH sequences reveals about fifty groups of VH segments with different hypervariable loops

We have used the polymerase chain reaction and VH family-based primers to clone and sequence 74 human germline VH segments from a single individual and built a directory to include all known germline sequences. The directory contains 122 VH segments with different nucleotide sequences, 83 of which have open reading frames. The directory indicates that the structural diversity of the germline repertoire for antigen binding is fixed by about 50 groups of VH segments: each group encodes identical hypervariable loops. The directory should help in mapping the VH locus, in estimating somatic mutation and VH segment usage and in designing and constructing synthetic antibody libraries.

DNA sequence analysis and comparison of the variable heavy and light chain regions of two IgM, monoclonal, anti-myelin associated glycoprotein antibodies

The complete variable heavy and light chain gene sequences of two monoclonal, IgM, anti-myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) antibodies associated with peripheral neuropathy, are presented. Comparative analysis of the two VH regions has revealed that they are 88% homologous to one another and are both members of the VH3 gene family. They are also highly homologous to a gene which is frequently utilized in the fetal B-cell repertoire. The V kappa light chain gene of one of the antibodies is 99% homologous to a V kappa II gene and the V lambda light chain gene of the other antibody is only 72% homologous to other known V lambda genes. Further analysis of V genes utilized by anti-MAG antibodies should reveal the structural basis for their binding activity.

The B-cells that express anti-MAG antibodies in neuropathy and non-malignant IgM monoclonal gammopathy belong to the CD5 subpopulation

B-cells that express monoclonal IgM anti-MAG antibodies (M-protein) in a patient with neuropathy and non-malignant IgM monoclonal gammopathy were studied by flow cytometry to determine if they bear the CD5 cell surface antigen. The CD5+ antigen is expressed on a subpopulation of B-cells which has been implicated in the secretion of autoantibodies and development of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). The monoclonal anti-MAG antibodies secreting B-cells were identified by a mouse monoclonal antibody to M-protein idiotype. Cytofluorometric analysis revealed that approximately 62% of the idiotype-positive B-lymphocytes expressed the CD5 antigen. The result of this study indicate that monoclonal anti-MAG antibodies may be secreted by CD5+ B-cells, and that B-cells in some cases of non-malignant IgM monoclonal gammopathy may be phenotypically similar to B-CLL cells.

Human heavy chain variable region gene diversity, organization, and expression

Elucidation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms which determine the expressed antibody repertoire remains a major challenge in immunology. Knowledge of V gene diversity, organization, and expression is important to an understanding of the formation of the antibody repertoire in normal as well as diseased states. In the last few years, great advances have been made in our understanding of the human heavy chain variable region (VH) gene locus. In this review we present the current knowledge of VH gene diversity, organization, and utilization in normal individuals followed by a discussion of the possible relevance of these findings to autoimmunity.