Shared idiotypic determinant in mono- and polyclonal anti-phospholipid antibodies with lupus anticoagulant activity

Abstract

Of 42 purified human myeloma proteins tested, two (IgG3 Her and IgM Mag) were found to possess strong lupus anticoagulant (LA) and anti-cephalin activity, as assessed by a dilute activated partial thromboplastin time (dAPTT) and ELISA test, respectively. For these proteins, we confirmed the observation reported by others that LA activity is present in the antigen-binding (Fab) portion of the immunoglobulin molecule. Rabbit anti-idiotype antibodies against IgG3 Her inhibited the anti-cephalin activity of this protein, suggesting that the anti-cephalin activity of IgG3 Her depends on the hypervariable part of the immunoglobulin and thus most probably is a true antigen-antibody reaction. The anti-Her idiotype antibodies were also able to bind to and inhibit the anti-cephalin activity of IgM Mag. ELISA binding and inhibition experiments showed that the anti-idiotype antiserum contained at least two sets of anti-idiotypes; one set that recognizes a cross-reactive idiotype shared by IgG3 Her and IgM Mag, and another set that seems to be unique to the immunizing protein IgG3 Her. Both sets of anti-idiotype antibodies also bound weakly to polyclonal (patient) IgG, indicating an idiotypic cross reaction.