DIFFERENTIAL USAGE OF AN AUTOANTIBODY-ASSOCIATED V-H GENE, VH4-21, BYHUMAN B-CELL TUMORS

Selection of immunoglobulin variable region genes for recombination in B cells takes place from among those V-H and V-L gene segments availa ble in the unrearranged germ line repertoire. in the case of neoplasti c B cells, there is apparent deviation in the use of V-genes from that expected on a random basis, both for V-H and for V-L Also, the prefer red V-genes, and their patterns of mutation, differ among the various categories of B-cell tumor possibly reflecting the distinct origins an d clonal histories on the individual tumor cells. This review focuses on a single V-H gene, V(H)4-21, which is a member of the V(H)4 family, and which appears selectively to encode immunoglobulins with autoanti body activity, particularly anti-red cell antibodies. The pattern of u sage of this V-H gene by B-cell tumors demonstrates clear asymmetry am ong different tumor types. Also, the mutations detected in this relati vely non-polymorphic gene indicate that antigen, possibly autoantigen, may influence the behavior of the tumor cell.