An Inherited Restriction in the Idiotypic Variability as a Possible Explanation of a Genetic Predisposition for a Monoclonal Component

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Abstract
Genetic factors were proposed to play a role in the etiology of a monoclonal proliferation of B [bone marrow-derived] lymphocytes. As an additional genetic factor, a restriction in the idiotypic variability of an individual is postulated to contribute to a genetic predisposition to monoclonal gammopathy. To support this hypothesis, 3 [human] families with multiple occurrence of M[monoclonal]-components were examined for sharing of idiotypic antigenicity between the related M-components and between the M-components and the sera of unaffected relatives. Idiotypic antisera against 5 isolated M-components were raised in guinea pigs and used in a radiobinding inhibition assay. In none of the 3 families was idiotypic cross-reactivity observed between the familial M-components. In a family with 3 members with an M-component, sera of 1st-degree relatives showed a higher inhibitory capacity than sera of non-related individuals when an idiotypic antiserum, raised against the M-component of porposita, was employed. Within this particular family the observed restriction in the idiotypic variability could have contributed to the multiple occurrence of M-components.

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