Overpassing an aberrant V kappa gene to sequence an anti-idiotypic abzyme with beta-lactamase-like activity that could have a linkage with autoimmunediseases

A monoclonal antibody 9G4H9 that exhibits a beta -lactamase-like activity w as previously obtained in accordance with the idiotypic network theory, Thi s abzyme presents the most catalytic efficiency in amidase activity describ ed in literature (k(cat) = 0.9 min(-1)). Some reports have demonstrated tha t functionality as complex as catalysis may be mimicked in this way. Compar ison of the catalytic properties of both enzyme and abzyme previously allow ed us to obtain better knowledge about 9G4H9 abzymatic machinery. ln attemp t to characterize this abzyme, the variable regions of kappa and heavy chai n were cloned. We present a 'universal' method to clone the correct V kappa gene to bypass aberrant V kappa (abV kappa) produced by MOPC-21-derived hy bridomas, Sequences obtained are compared in the GenBank database. The VH a nd V kappa genes present some important sequence homology with autoantibodi es suggesting a direct relationship between catalytic anti-idiotypic antibo dy and autoimmunity.