Increased efficacy of the immunoglobulin G2a subclass in antibody-mediatedprotection against lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus-induced polioencephalomyelitis revealed with switch mutants

Immunoglobulin GI (IgG1), IgG2a, and IgG2b switch variants were derived fro m an IgG3 monoclonal antibody directed against the VP3 envelope glycoprotei n of lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus (LDV). Among the four antibodies , IgG2a delayed the onset and progression of LDV-induced polioencephalomyel itis more than did the other subclasses. This suggests that the IgG2a predo minance observed in many IgG antibody responses elicited by live viruses co uld, at least under some circumstances, correspond to the selection of the best protection for the infected host.