The use of idiotypes as markers for antibody variable regions in the rabbit

This article reviews the use of idiotypes as variable region genetic markers in the rabbit. Topics discussed include reagents and assays for the detection of idiotypes, evidence concerning the association of idiotypes with specific antigen binding sites on antibodies, and the inheritance of idiotypes in the rabbit. Several points are emphasized in this review. First, interpretation of idiotypic phenomenons are strongly dependent on the reagents and assays employed. Second, while strong evidence exists that a given idiotype is a marker for a specific antigen binding site, exceptions to this association have been reported. Third, the inheritance of identical or similar idiotypes has been demonstrated in several instances, but it is not always demonstrable, perhaps because an idiotype is a complex phenotype. Several reasons for this complexity are pointed out. Fourth, idiotypes are linked to group a allotypes and VL subgroups but exceptions to these associations have been described for antibodies isolated from single individuals. The significance of these exceptions is discussed. Current areas of interest in rabbit idiotypy include the relationship of idiotypes to other V region markers, the genetics of idiotypes specific to H or L chains, and the relationships among the idiotypes of antibodies isolated from a single rabbit.