Nucleosome‐specific antibody from an autoimmune mrl/mp‐lpr/lpr mouse

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Abstract
Objective. To characterize the binding properties and variable‐region sequences of LG4‐1, a monoclonal antibody from an autoimmune MRL/Mp‐lpr/lpr mouse that reacts specifically with nucleosome core particles and represents a new antinuclear antibody specificity. Methods. The reactivity of the antibody against various nuclear substrates was determined using an enzymatic immunoassay, and the variable‐region genes were sequenced from messenger RNA, using the dideoxy chain termination method. Results. LG4‐1 was found to react with nucleosome core particles but not with individual histones and DNA, or with various histone–histone and histone–DNA complexes. It was demonstrated that this antibody is encoded by a combination of variable‐region genes and gene segments that have undergone few somatic mutations. Conclusion. The nucleosome core particle expresses a unique conformational autoepitope(s) resulting from the ordered association of histones and DNA.