[Antibodies as antigens--idiotypes and idiotypic networks]

The variable regions of an antibody are unique and therefore potentially immunogenic. This may result in the formation of antiidiotypic antibodies directed against these antigenic determinants. Based on this observation, JERNE has proposed his theory of idiotypic networks. According to this concept, interactions between idiotypes and antiidiotypic antibodies may play an important role in the regulation of the immune response. Idiotypic networks are thought to be essential for the maintenance of immunological tolerance to self-antigens and there is evidence that autoimmunity may in part be due to perturbation of the idiotypic network. Anti-idiotypes may be of therapeutic importance. Although production of idiotypic vaccines or treatment of hematological malignancies with tailored anti-idiotypes are still hampered by various difficulties, a widespread clinical application may be only a matter of time.