Antibodies, epitopes production

Idiotypic network. Idiotypic determinants (idiotypes) are unique antigenic epitopes characteristic of the antigen receptors on the surface of T and B cells. They are associated with the variable regions of these receptors. Antibodies produced by B cells as the result of antigenic stimulation can themselves stimulate the production of auto-anti-idiotypic antibodies which have the ability to combine with the B-cell receptor (Ig) and thus can dampen down the immune response. Idiotypes may likewise stimulate the production of T cells specific for idiotypic determinants. Jerne (1974) postulated his... 

The production process (Box 13.1) entails initial immunization of a mouse with the antigen of interest. The mouse is subsequently sacrificed and its spleen removed. (The spleen is an organ enriched in B-lymphocytes. Because of the immunization process, a significant proportion of these lymphocytes are likely capable of producing antibodies recognizing specific epitopes on the antigen.)... 

Product variants can also be generated by in-process procedures, such as those used for viral inactivation, for example. These procedures could alter the protein structure, forming new epitopes. These types of changes could potentially be detected by ELISA because of the specificity of the antigen-antibody interaction. In the case of vaccine production, an ELISA could be used to monitor viral inactivation. For this, a panel of MAbs, if available, could be used. 

The molecular mechanism by which IFN-/1 induces its therapeutic effect is complex and not fully understood. It is believed that the pathology of multiple sclerosis is linked to the activation and proliferation of T lymphocytes specific for epitopes found on specific myelin antigens. Upon migration to the brain, these lymphocytes trigger an inflammatory response mediated by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, most notably IFN-y, IL-1, IL-2 and TNF-a. The inflammatory response, in addition to other elements of immunity (e.g. antibodies and... 

---