The servant idiotype network. 1991

H Kohler

Network Antigens are idiotopic markers which are expressed on antibodies of a given specificity. These Network Antigen Idiotopes are part of specific immune responses and are selected through the process of antigen-driven maturation. Their natural role in immunity is the regulation of the response via idiotypic network interaction. The biological power of Network Antigens can be harnessed by generating monoclonal Ab2s against polyclonal disease-derived and specific Ab1. Because network antigens play an important biological role in immunity, it becomes difficult to call the Idiotype Network selfish. We believe that the organization and selection of a small antibody repertoire, which is needed to maintain a disease free existence, is accomplished by the idiotypic network. Furthermore, if we better understand the blueprint of this network we can begin to take advantage of the primed state of clones in the network to intervene, either to stimulate beneficial responses, or to suppress harmful immunities using antibodies which recognize the key organizer and controllers in the network.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007130 Immunoglobulin Idiotypes Unique genetically-controlled determinants present on ANTIBODIES whose specificity is limited to a single group of proteins (e.g., another antibody molecule or an individual myeloma protein). The idiotype appears to represent the antigenicity of the antigen-binding site of the antibody and to be genetically codetermined with it. The idiotypic determinants have been precisely located to the IMMUNOGLOBULIN VARIABLE REGION of both immunoglobin polypeptide chains. Idiotypes, Immunoglobulin,Ig Idiotypes,Idiotype, Ig,Idiotype, Immunoglobulin,Idiotypes, Ig,Ig Idiotype,Immunoglobulin Idiotype
D007167 Immunotherapy Manipulation of the host's immune system in treatment of disease. It includes both active and passive immunization as well as immunosuppressive therapy to prevent graft rejection. Immunotherapies
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D000941 Antigens Substances that are recognized by the immune system and induce an immune reaction. Antigen

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