Rabbit Variable κLight Chain Regions: Subgroups Contain Polypeptides Encoded by Multiple Genes

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Two identical L chain variable regions were identified in anti-streptococcal Group A-variant antibodies elicited in litter-mate rabbits by hyperimmunization with vaccine. One rabbit produced 2 additional clonally restricted antibodies to this polysaccharide antigen. The partial amino acid sequence of the L chain of 1 of these antibodies was identical with the dominant antibody L chain sequence, while the L chain of the other antibody, also partially established, showed significant variations in the framework-associated regions with identical CRD[complementary determining region]I and II. Since all of these L chains were from a small subset of rabbit .kappa. L chain pools (b4 allotype), there may be more than 1 copy of variable region genes present in the germ-line per subgroup. Framework associated amino acid substitutions are not random, suggesting the existence of some ordered mechanism for linked amino acid substitutions (presumably recombination). One L chain can pair with more than 1 H chain to yield functional antibodies.