Polymorphism in immunoglobulin heavy chains suggesting gene conversion.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Complete chain variable region (V region; amino acids 1-118) sequences were determined for 3 phosphocholine (PCho)-binding monoclonal antibodies of CBA mouse strain origin. Two of these were found to differ from the sequence of the BALB/c T15 germline VH segment (segment of the V region that includes amino acids 1-95) at 4 positions but were identical to the allelic form of T15 (C3) found in C57BL. The 3rd VH segment, HP101.6G6 (6G6), was clearly the product of a 2nd, related VH gene, probably the allele of the BALB/c V11 gene, a 2nd member of the PCho VH gene family. More than one VH gene is capable of encoding H chains of PCho-binding antibodies. The 6G6 VH segment differs from V11 at 7 positions; 4 of these distinguishing amino acids are encoded in other members of the PCho VH gene family. The origin of the 6G6 VH sequence can most easily be explained by a process of gene conversion occurring between at least 3 members of the PCho VH family.