The Homophilic Domain - An Immunological Archetype

Front Immunol. 2016 Mar 21:7:106. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00106. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

The homophilic potential emerges as an important biological principle to boost the potency of immunoglobulins. Since homophilic antibodies in human and mouse sera exist prior environmental exposure, they are part of the natural antibody repertoire. Nevertheless, hemophilic properties are also identified in induced antibody repertoire. The use of homophilicity of antibodies in the adaptive immunity signifies an archetypic antibody structure. The unique feature of homophilicity in the antibody repertoire also highlights an important mechanism to boost the antibody potency to protect against infection and atherosclerosis as well to treat cancer patients.

Keywords: 1F7; T15; homophilic; idiotype; immunoglobulins; induced antibodies; natural antibodies.

Publication types

  • Review