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Innate natural antibodies. Primary roles indicated by specific epitopes
T C Rodman1, S E To, J J Sullivan
1Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Informatics, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Human Immunology
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Two natural antibodies were identified in humans, potentially involved in maintaining homeostasis and early defense against infections. Their unique, stable titers suggest a role in monitoring cellular processes and fighting pathogens like HIV.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Natural antibodies play a crucial role in innate immunity.
- Understanding natural antibody function is key to immune system regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a unique class of natural antibodies in humans.
- To investigate the epitope specificity and stability of these natural antibodies.
- To explore the potential functions of these antibodies in homeostasis and defense.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a large cohort of human sera across a broad age distribution.
- Epitope characterization using a series of 10-12 mer peptides.
- Assay of antibody titers over extended periods in adult individuals.
Main Results:
- Two distinct natural antibodies were identified in all tested human sera.
- Epitope specificity was conserved across different antibody isotopes (IgM, IgG) and age groups.
- Antibody titers remained relatively constant and unique to each individual over 4-5.5 years.
- Identified epitopes showed similarity to conserved regions of HIV proteins.
Conclusions:
- These natural antibodies are likely genomically coded and present from neonatal development.
- Their primary function may involve maintaining homeostasis and regulating intracellular traffic.
- A secondary function may be early defense against infectious agents due to epitope mimicry.