4 - Amino Acid Sequences in Human Immunoglobulins and in Mouse Light Chains

Abstract

This chapter discusses amino acid sequences in human immunoglobulins and in mouse light chains. A large proportion of the available data on amino acid sequences of immunoglobulins relates to human and mouse proteins. This is attributable to the availability of myeloma proteins in both species and to the intrinsic interest in human proteins. Multiple myeloma, which is a relatively rare disease in humans, can be induced in BALB/c or NZB mice by prolonged treatment with mineral oil, certain other hydrocarbons, plastics, or immunological adjuvants. Tumors can be maintained by transplantation into mice of the same inbred strain; this makes it possible to accumulate large amounts of serum or ascites fluid containing a homogeneous myeloma protein. Multiple myeloma is frequently accompanied by the presence of a high concentration of homogeneous, urinary L chains—Bence Jones proteins—that correspond in structure to the L chains of the individual's serum myeloma protein. Owing to their high concentration, myeloma or Bence Jones proteins can generally be isolated in reasonably pure form.