Immunologic memory to phosphorylcholine. VI. Heterogeneity in light chain gene expression.

BALB/c mice immunized with phosphorylcholine-conjugated keyhole limpet hemocyanin (PC-KLH) produce two types of anti-PC antibodies, designated group I and group II, which differ in their fine specificity and idiotype expression. Group II hybridomas can utilize VH genes and VL genes (in particular, V kappa 1-3) distinct from those expressed in the group I-like anti-PC myelomas. Here we have analyzed additional anti-PC hybridomas from BALB/c and (CBA/N X BALB/c)F1 male mice and also anti-PC antibodies purified from BALB/c and C57BL/6N antisera. Isoelectric focusing indicates that one of the group II hybridomas utilizes V kappa 1-3 and that related L chains are expressed in a major portion of group II serum antibodies. Other group II antibodies in antisera express different L chains, some of which are presently unidentified. However, isoelectric focusing analysis also indicates that the L chains of some group II hybridomas and serum antibodies are related to those found in the group I anti-PC myelomas and group I hybridoma and serum antibodies. In addition, one hybridoma was found to utilize lambda 2. Thus, it appears that the anti-PC antibodies with group II-like fine specificity can utilize a variety of VL genes related to, or distinct from, those expressed in group I antibodies.