Selective absorption of anti‐DNA antibodies and their idiotype‐positive cells in vitro using an anti‐idiotypic antibody‐affinity column: Possible application to plasma exchange

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Abstract
We examined the possibility of using affinity columns coupled with anti‐idiotype (Id) antibodies to selectively remove nephritogenic anti‐DNA antibodies in order to determine their possible application to therapeutic plasmapheresis. Monoclonal anti‐Id antibodies termed D1E2 or 1F5 were directed to idiotypes of human anti‐single‐stranded and anti‐double‐stranded DNA antibodies. The mixture of D1E2‐ and 1F5‐coupled Sepharose absorbed 26 to 92% of human anti‐DNA antibodies in sera. The affinity columns were also effective in removing anti‐DNA idiotype‐positive cells from the blood samples of patients, especially those with active lupus nephritis. Thus, an anti‐idiotypic antibody‐coupled affinity column could, in theory, serve as a tool for selective plasma exchange in the therapy of autoimmune diseases.