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What Is an Idiotype?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

An idiotype is a set of amino acids that are unique to an antibody and that determine its specificity — in other words, which antigens it will bind to. The study of idiotypes is important for immunologists who need to understand how the body produces and uses antibodies. It is possible to harness idiotypes in vaccine production to trigger a patient to start producing appropriate antibodies and provide protection against certain antigens. It is possible to sequence these amino acids in a lab environment.

These structures are often located at or near the antigen binding site, on a part of the antibody known as the complementarity determining region (CDR) or hypervariable region. A single antibody can have multiple idiotypes. The idiotype is extremely specific — so much so that humans can sometimes react to their own idiotypes and certainly will react to those introduced from other people or species. When this is done deliberately with a vaccine, it can stimulate the immune system into the production of antibodies to resist infectious disease.

Idiotypes are sometimes used when researchers are developing a new vaccine.
Idiotypes are sometimes used when researchers are developing a new vaccine.

This is one method of classifying antibodies. At a slightly broader level, antibodies can be classified by allotype, genetic variations in antibody structure that can reflect genetic heritage. Closely related people tend to have similar allotypes but can react against allotypes produced in the bodies of people who are not related. This can be an issue with procedures, such as blood transfusions, in which antibody matching is critical to prevent adverse reactions.

Researchers can use lab testing to identify particular idiotypes in a sample and sequence them to learn more about how they work.
Researchers can use lab testing to identify particular idiotypes in a sample and sequence them to learn more about how they work.

Even more broadly, antibodies can be classified by isotype, a characteristic seen in all members of the same species. Immunoglobulin M, for example, is a human isotype, a protein that is found in every person except those who have a genetic disorder that impairs immune function. The progressive classification of antibodies can help researchers as they study antibodies and their functions.

Antibody matching is critical during blood transfusions in order to prevent adverse reactions.
Antibody matching is critical during blood transfusions in order to prevent adverse reactions.

The idiotype is highly unique; only antibodies that have identical specificity will have the same idiotype, but antibodies that have different specificities can have the same isotypes and allotypes. Researchers can use lab testing to identify particular idiotypes in a sample and sequence them to learn more about how they work. It is possible to use laboratory animals to produce human idiotypes of a particular specificity for use in the research and development of new vaccines. Idiotype variations also can explain why people might have antibodies to one strain of disease but not others, because they cannot lock on to antigens with which they are not designed to be paired, as seen in cases of influenza.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllTheScience researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllTheScience researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Idiotypes are sometimes used when researchers are developing a new vaccine.
      By: Jaimie Duplass
      Idiotypes are sometimes used when researchers are developing a new vaccine.
    • Researchers can use lab testing to identify particular idiotypes in a sample and sequence them to learn more about how they work.
      By: Monkey Business
      Researchers can use lab testing to identify particular idiotypes in a sample and sequence them to learn more about how they work.
    • Antibody matching is critical during blood transfusions in order to prevent adverse reactions.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Antibody matching is critical during blood transfusions in order to prevent adverse reactions.
    • An idiotype is a set of amino acids that determine which antigens an antibody will bind to.
      By: designua
      An idiotype is a set of amino acids that determine which antigens an antibody will bind to.
    • Highly infectious, quickly mutating viruses such as influenza require careful analyzation to match idiotypes before offering immunizations.
      By: Creativa
      Highly infectious, quickly mutating viruses such as influenza require careful analyzation to match idiotypes before offering immunizations.