Effect of Gm allotypes on IgG2 antibody responses and IgG2 concentrations in children and adults

Int Immunol. 1990;2(4):317-22. doi: 10.1093/intimm/2.4.317.

Abstract

Earlier studies have suggested that in adults the n-positive allele of the human IgG2 gene is more productive than the n-negative allele. This superiority was seen to be manifested in IgG2 antibody responses to polysaccharides, in the higher serum concentration of total IgG2 in the n/n than in -/- individuals, and in the higher concentration of n-positive than n-negative IgG2 in heterozygotes. The present study shows that in 1- or 2-year-old children, the concentration of IgG2 was independent of allotype G2m(n), and both alleles of a heterozygote contributed an average of one-half of the total IgG2. On the other hand, the superiority of the n-positive allele was also seen in young children in IgG2 antibody responses induced by the Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide (Hib). The effect of allotype n on antibody responses was evident only when the immunogen was the Hib polysaccharide. When the immunogen was a conjugate of Hib and diphtheria toxoid, the IgG2 antibody responses of n-positive and n-negative vaccinated individuals were almost equal, both in adults and in children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Alleles
  • Bacterial Capsules
  • Bacterial Vaccines / immunology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diphtheria Toxoid / immunology
  • Haemophilus Vaccines*
  • Haemophilus influenzae / immunology
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis*
  • Immunoglobulin G / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulin Gm Allotypes* / genetics
  • Infant
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial / immunology

Substances

  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • Diphtheria Toxoid
  • Haemophilus Vaccines
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide vaccine
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin Gm Allotypes
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial