Immunogenetic analysis of variable regions encoding AB1 and γ-type AB2 antibodies from the NeuGc-containing ganglioside family

Abstract

The variable regions from P3, a murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) against NeuGc-containing gangliosides, and two anti-idiotype MAbs directed to P3 MAb were cloned and sequenced. Comparisons with previously reported sequences showed that P3 is a germline antibody encoded by genes from the V(H)Q52 and V(kappa)19 families. Analysis of nucleotides at the heavy chain CDR3 (H-CDR3) showed the presence of an extensive 3' N region that contains almost 50% of the nucleotides of this CDR. In addition, amino acid sequence analysis of the H-CDRs of this MAb revealed the presence of three arginines, two of which are present in the H-CDR3, that could be involved in the interaction of P3 MAb with its electr..