The analysis and quantification of a clonal B cell response in a hyperimmunized anti-D donor

Clin Exp Immunol. 2006 May;144(2):223-32. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2006.03062.x.

Abstract

Healthy volunteers are hyperimmunized with RhD-positive red cells in order to obtain plasma containing high titres of anti-D immunoglobulin, which is used for the prevention of haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. We analysed the anti-D immune response in a donor who had been hyperimmunized for 7 years and who showed declining anti-D titres despite re-immunization. A phage display library representing the complete immunorepertoire and a second library representing the IGHV3 superspecies family genes (IGHV3s) repertoire in the donor were constructed and analysed. A clonal Ig-gene rearrangement was quantified in the peripheral blood by limiting dilution polymerase chain reaction (PCR) All RhD-binding phages from both libraries, except one, had heavy chains with IGH-VDJ rearrangements of the same clonal origin, but with different patterns of somatic mutations and joined with different light chains. Limiting dilution PCR performed on mRNA and genomic DNA showed a frequency of 1 clonal B cell in 2000 IgG1/3-positive B cells. We show the presence of clonally related RhD-specific B cells in a hyperimmunized anti-D donor who had declining anti-D titres and who was unresponsive to re-immunization. Furthermore, we found a high frequency of clonal B cells. These results contribute to the understanding of the immune response against RhD in hyperimmunized anti-D donors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence / genetics
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Bacteriophages / genetics
  • Base Sequence / genetics
  • Clone Cells / immunology
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA Fingerprinting
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte / genetics
  • Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte / immunology
  • Genes, Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain / genetics
  • Genes, Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain / immunology
  • Genes, Immunoglobulin Light Chain / genetics
  • Genes, Immunoglobulin Light Chain / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunization
  • Immunologic Factors / genetics
  • Immunologic Factors / immunology*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin / genetics
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin / immunology*

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Rho(D) Immune Globulin
  • DNA