Specificity and idiotypic analysis of monoclonal antibodies directed against the MOPC460 idiotype.

Eight syngeneic anti-idiotypic hybridomas (IDMs) have been obtained against the BALB/c myeloma protein MOPC460 which displays anti-TNP activity. The study of their anti-idiotype specificity allowed us to distinguish them into two groups which define the presence of at least two idiotypic determinants or idiotopes in the MOPC460 idiotype. The biochemical analysis of the monoclonal antibodies is consistent with this dichotomy. This analysis, in fact, showed a striking correlation between anti-idiotypic specificity and biochemical characteristics of the monoclonal antibodies. Consequently, the idiotypic specificities of three of these hybridomas were studied. In accordance with what is expected, our results clearly indicate a strong idiotypic similarity for hybridomas belonging to the same group and a lack of idiotypic cross-reactivity.