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Immunoglobulin genes in autoimmunity
1Division of Rheumatology/Allergy and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616.
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Understanding the B cell repertoire in autoimmunity is crucial. This study examines human autoantibody gene usage, somatic mutations, and germline gene contributions in diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- The role of B cell repertoire in human autoimmunity remains unclear.
- Current autoantibody data often comes from animal models or hybridomas, not reflecting human conditions.
- Limited structural and genetic analysis exists for human autoantibodies with defined specificities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss prominent features of the human immunoglobulin (Ig) repertoire.
- To analyze germline gene usage in autoantibodies.
- To review somatic mutations and Ig gene usage in autoantibodies within autoimmune diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on human autoantibody gene repertoire.
- Analysis of data from patients with autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis).
Main Results:
- Discussion of prominent features of the human Ig repertoire.
- Examination of germline gene usage in autoantibodies.
- Identification of somatic mutations and Ig gene usage patterns in autoantibodies.
Conclusions:
- Further direct cloning and sequencing of autoantibodies from patients are needed.
- Understanding autoantibody repertoire usage is key to resolving autoimmunity issues.
- This article discusses current data on Ig gene usage and idiotypic expression in autoimmune diseases.