[V gene repertoire and pathogenic autoantibodies].

The studies for autoantibody-associated V genes have failed to find any V gene which might be specific for pathogenic autoantibodies in humans; Namely, both normal subjects and patients have immunoglobulin V genes which can encode autoantibodies. Also single V gene can encode antibodies for both foreign antigens and autoantigens. However, some germline V genes such as V3-7 and VH4-21 are preferentially used for autoantibodies and may be regarded as prototype V genes for autoantibodies. Although somatic mutation in V genes is characteristic in IgG autoantibodies, 0-81 idiotype-positive IgM antibodies, which may be precursor B cells for pathogenic anti-DNA antibody also included many somatic mutations in VH genes, indicating an intrinsic abnormality in B cell development in SLE. Some studies also indicated an abnormal V gene repertoire in autoimmune states. These results may be attributed to dysregulation of autoantibody-associated B cell development.