Monoclonal autoantibodies that react with multiple organs. Basis for reactivity.

We have been able to make monoclonal MOR antibodies in several different ways. First, we have been able to prepare MOR antibodies from mice with autoimmune disease and from humans with autoimmune disease. Second, we have prepared MOR antibodies from normal mice without autoimmune disease and from healthy humans without evidence of autoimmune disease. Third, we have prepared MOR antibodies by hybridoma technology and by transformation of lymphocytes with EBV. We have shown that MOR antibodies are common and are part of the host's normal B-cell repertoire. Our studies raise the possibility that most monoclonal autoantibodies, when extensively screened, will to a greater or lesser degree be of the MOR type.