An analysis of autoimmunity through studies of DNA antibody idiotypes.

The existence of idiotypic networks, first postulated over 12 years ago, is now widely recognised. Idiotypic analyses of autoantibodies have been reported among both hybridoma-derived and naturally occurring immunoglobulins. In this review the many studies of idiotypes detected on anti-DNA antibodies, notably one designated 16/6, are analysed to see what clues they offer to our understanding of autoimmunity. The links between infection and autoimmunity are emphasised by this analysis. It is also obvious that idiotypes first identified an autoantibodies are not confined to these immunoglobulins. Thus, the 16/6 idiotype originally described on a hybridoma-derived monoclonal anti-DNA antibody has also been identified on naturally occurring antibodies binding the Klebsiella polysaccharide K30.