Shared idiotopes among antibodies encoded by heavy-chain variable region (V(H)) gene members of the J558 V(H) family as basis for cross-reactive regulation of clones with different antigen specificity

A wide idiotype cross-reactivity was observed among six groups of monoclonal antibodies specific for arsonate and nitrophenyl haptens, hemagglutinin of PR8 and X31 influenza viruses, dextran, A48-idiotype, and a set of six monoclonal antibodies with unknown antigenic specificity. All of these antibodies are encoded by heavy-chain variable region (V(H)) genes belonging to the J558 V(H) family. This idiotypic cross-reactivity was determined by studying the binding of these antibodies to a panel of six monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies, each one raised against a member of the six groups of monoclonal antibodies. The administration at birth of two such monoclonal anti-idiotype antibodies induced a longlasting suppression not only of the corresponding idiotype but also of V(H)-related idiotypes with different antigenic specificities. These results suggest that the idiotypes encoded by V(H) gene family are interactive one with another. The possible physiological consequences of this immunochemical cross-reactivity are discussed.