Expression pattern of the most JH-proximal human VH gene segment (VH6) in the B cell and antibody repertoire suggests a role of VH6-encoded IgM antibodies in early ontogeny.

We have developed a mAb (JE-6) that recognizes an Id encoded by the most JH-proximal human VH gene segment (VH6) in or near germ-line configuration. This mAb was used to determine the frequency of Id JE6+ B cells in large collections of monoclonal EBV-transformed and short term B cell lines derived from fetal, neonatal, and adult lymphoid tissues. Moreover, we investigated the presence of Id JE-6+ Ig in sera from neonates and adults and determined the (auto)antigen binding properties of VH6-encoded IgM mAb. We detected a fivefold overrepresentation of VH6-expressing IgM producing B cells in fetal tissues, cord blood, and adult bone marrow relative to adult blood. In cord blood, but not in adult blood sera, germ-line VH6-encoded IgM molecules were readily detectable. IgM secreted by VH6-expressing B cell clones displayed highly conserved and virtually identical autoantigen binding properties, independent of the length and composition of the IgH chain CDR3 region and L chain isotype. Collectively, these results suggest that the VH6 gene and the antibodies it encodes play an important role in early human ontogeny.