High frequency of autoantibodies bearing cross-reactive idiotopes among hybridomas using VH7183 genes prepared from normal and autoimmune murine strains.

Hybridomas obtained by in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of BALB/c, MRL/lpr, and NZB splenocytes were selected for expression of VH7183 by hybridization using slot blotting. Northern blot analysis showed that the majority of hybrids produce a full length message complementary to the VH7183 probe. The frequency of VH7183 hybridomas was significantly higher in NZB mice as compared with BALB/c mice. Using multiple binding assays, 60% of the total antibodies encoded by VH7183 were specific for self-epitopes. Finally, the vast majority express cross-reactive idiotypes borne by autoantibodies of various specificities.