Variations in duplex DNA conformation detected by the binding of monoclonal autoimmune antibodies

Four monoclonal antibodies (Jel 229, 239, 241, 242) which bound to duplex DNA were prepared from two autoimmune female NZB/NZW mice. Their binding to various nucleic acids was investigated by a competitive solid phase radioimmune assay which allows the estimation of relative binding constants. None of the antibodies showed any consistent variation of binding constant with base composition and thus they must recognize features of the DNA backbone. Jel 241 binds across the major groove but the interaction with poly(pyrimidine) X poly(purine) DNAs was barely detectable. This antibody appears to recognize the "alternating-B" conformation which is promoted by methylation of pyrimidines in alternating sequences. The other three antibodies bind in the minor groove. In particular, for Jel 229 the preferred antigen was poly(dG) X poly(dC) with only weak binding to poly(dA) X poly(dT). This suggests a requirement for a wide minor groove. Thus autoimmune antibodies provide examples of "analogue" recognition and can be used to detect structural variations in the grooves of duplex DNA.