Abstract
Nucleotide sequence analysis of cDNA encoded by the single member of the human immunoglobulin VH6 gene family show that blood B cells in adults, but not in neonates, frequently express somatically mutated IgM molecules. The number of mutations in VH6-encoded cDNA from adult blood ranged from 2 to 19 mutations/VH gene (average 10.1/VH gene). The distribution of silent and replacement mutations suggests that at least some of the VH6 genes were derived from B cells that were activated and selected by antigen. We conclude that the blood B cell repertoire in adult humans, in contrast to its much-studied murine splenic counterpart, is a rich source of highly mutated IgM molecules.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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Base Sequence
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Genes, Immunoglobulin*
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Humans
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Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / genetics*
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Immunoglobulin M / analysis*
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Immunoglobulin M / genetics
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Immunoglobulin Variable Region / genetics*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Mutation*
Substances
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Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
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Immunoglobulin M
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Immunoglobulin Variable Region
Associated data
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GENBANK/X67879
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GENBANK/X67880
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GENBANK/X67881
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GENBANK/X67882
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GENBANK/X67883
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GENBANK/X67884
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GENBANK/X67885
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GENBANK/X67886
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GENBANK/X67887
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GENBANK/X67888
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GENBANK/X67889
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GENBANK/X67890
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GENBANK/X67891
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GENBANK/X67892
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GENBANK/X67893
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GENBANK/X67894
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GENBANK/X67895
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GENBANK/X67896
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GENBANK/X67897
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GENBANK/X67898
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GENBANK/X67899
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GENBANK/X67900
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GENBANK/X67901