Idiotypes and Lymphocytes

Idiotypes and Lymphocytes reviews the progress made in the study of the idiotypes of lymphocytes, particularly the discovery that a vast spectrum of possible relationships between cells and antibodies and communications between various subsets of T- and B-lymphocytes exist within the immune system. The book explores autoanti-idiotype antibodies and the antigen-mimicking properties of anti-idiotype antibodies, along with the idiotypic determinants borne by the lymphocyte's receptor that serve as regulatory sites. Organized into seven chapters, this volume begins with an overview of idiotypy, from its discovery to the localization of idiotypic determinants in the variable regions. This book also explains how idiotypic specificity is associated with a particular antigenic specificity of the antibody molecule, the diversity of antibodies, and the regulation of the immune response. The next chapters introduce the reader to the ontogeny of idiotypic expression, touching on topics such as the development of B cells and sequential activation of V genes, along with the variability of idiotypic specificities during immune response. The book also explores the expression of idiotypes in B-lymphocytes and of idiotypic determinants of humoral antibodies in the antigenic receptors of T cells, as well as the mechanisms that allow anti-idiotype antibodies to regulate lymphocyte functions. The final chapter looks into the therapeutic implications of the immune network, with emphasis on the effects of anti-idiotypes antibodies in autoimmune diseases. This book is an essential reading for immunologists.