Molecular characterization of the VH region of murine autoantibodies from neonatal and adult BALB/c mice.

We report on the molecular characterization of the heavy (H) chain variable (V) region of two murine autoantibodies reacting with a conventional self antigen, thyroglobulin (Tg), originated from unimmunized/unstimulated neonatal mice (clone B10H2) and from an adult hyperimmunized mouse (clone 62), respectively. Serologically, both hybridoma antibodies express the same idiotype (Id). By cloning and sequencing we demonstrated that their VH regions are encoded by identical VDJ gene elements including the VD and DJ joints. This VH belongs to the VH 7183 gene family, the most 3'-end proximal family in the murine genome. The D segment is unique and only 50% similar to any murine D segment. The J segment utilized is germ-line JH4. The cloned DNA rearrangement was transfected into the J558L myeloma cells and the secreted antibody was found to express the reference Id on the H chain, hence proving that the productive VDJ rearrangement had been identified. These results show that a spontaneously arising and an antigen-induced autoantibody use an identical VDJ gene rearrangement and that after hyperimmunization somatic mutation did not occur. The significance of this finding with respect to ontogeny of the B cell repertoire is discussed.