Molecular Characterization of Immunoglobulin Variable Regio from Murine Monoclonal Antibodies Specific for Simian Virus 40 Large Tumour Antigen

Abstract
In this report we compare the immunoglobulin variable (IgV) region function and structure relationships of murine monoclonal antibodies that recognize simian virus 40 (SV40) large tumour antigen (T ag). Comparison of monoclonal antibody V region function is based on SV40 T ag epitope recognition and idiotype (Id) expression. Structural comparisons are based on V region gene sequence determination. The data presented herein, suggests that a high degree of homology within both the V kappa and VH regions, along with minor differences within V kappa complementarity determining regions (CDR) may result in the detection of similar SV40 T ag epitopes by the monoclonal anti-SV40 T ag preparations. The expression of a cross-reactive Id also appears to be based on the high degree of homology within both V kappa and VH regions and depends on conformational interactions imparted by both regions.