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Unusual association of V, J and C regions in a mouse immunoglobulin λ chain

Nature volume 299, pages 559–561 (1982)Cite this article

Abstract

The light chains of mouse immunoglobulins have been classified into two main groups, κ and λ. The majority (>90%) are κ1–3 and share a single constant (C) region; however, they differ extensively in their variable (V) regions (for example, ref. 4). The lambda group consists of three subtypes, λ1, λ2 and λ3 (refs 5–7), which are classified according to the amino acid sequence of the C region. Each C region (for example, Cλ1) is encoded by a distinct gene8–11, which carries on its 5′ side a J gene segment9–13 (for example, Jλ1). A fourth gene pair (Jλ4Cλ4) is probably not expressed12,13. Jλ3Cλ3 is closely linked to Jλ1Cλ1 in one cluster10,11 and Jλ2Cλ2 to Jλ4Cλ4 in a second cluster10, on chromosome 16 (ref. 14). Only two genes (Vλ1 and Vλ2) encode the λ V regions8,9,15. To date, Vλ1 has been found only in association with Jλ1Cλ1 (in λ 1 chains)5,16 or Jλ3Cλ3 (in λ 3 chains)19 and Vλ2 only with Jλ2Cλ2 (in λ 2 chains)6,17,18. It has been argued that Vλ1 is probably located 5′ to the Jλ3Cλ3Jλ1Cλ1 cluster and Vλ1 5′ to the Jλ2Cλ2Jλ4Cλ4 cluster10. The exclusive recombination of each Vλ with the nearest JλCλ cluster on its 3′ side would provide a genetic basis for restriction in V–C association. However, such restriction does not appear to be an invariant feature of λ chain structure, for here we describe an unusual chain in which Vλ2 is associated with Jλ3Cλ3.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA

    Bruce W. Elliott Jr, Herman N. Eisen & Lisa A. Steiner

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  1. Bruce W. Elliott Jr
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  2. Herman N. Eisen
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  3. Lisa A. Steiner
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Elliott, B., Eisen, H. & Steiner, L. Unusual association of V, J and C regions in a mouse immunoglobulin λ chain. Nature 299, 559–561 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/299559a0

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