The IgG subclass pattern of complement activation depends on epitope density and antibody and complement concentration.

Using a matched series of human-mouse chimaeric IgG anti-5-iodo-4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenacetyl (anti-NIP) antibodies and NIP-bovine serum albumin (NIP-BSA) we examined how different variables influence the activation pattern of complement. When BSA was used with different hapten densities and the input of NIP-BSA was altered, we observed a change in the subclass reaction pattern. IgG3 fixed more Clq than IgG1 and IgG2 in all situations. IgG1 was slightly better than IgG3 and IgG2 at high antigen concentrations at activating C4 and C3 and inducing formation of the terminal complement complex (TCC). When the epitope density and/or the NIP-BSA concentration was reduced, IgG3 became best, followed by IgG1 and IgG2. IgG1 now revealed a marked prozone. Furthermore, IgG4 was found to activate C3 and mediate TCC formation at high epitope and complement concentrations.