| Abstract: | A highly conserved small family of human Vλ genes was identified by DNA homology to a Vλ gene isolated from a patient with demyelinating peripheral neuropathy, and which encodes an autoantibody with anti-MAG activity. Comparison of the genes indicates that the patient Vλ gene was derived from one of the germline genes. Together with published analyses of other anti-MAG IgM antibodies, which also appear to be mutated in comparison to known germline V genes, these results suggest that development of these pathogenic antibodies may reflect an antigen-driven, T cell-dependent process. |
