Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Antigenized Antibodies

Antigenization of antibody is a new immunological concept (Zanetti 1992) that exemplifies MecthnikofTs words (Metchnikoff, reprinted in 1989) in a paradigmatic way. It was conceived with a two-fold purpose. One was to investigate directly the molecular basis of antibody antigenicity and immunogenicity. The other was to test from a molecular perspective one of the most controversial postulates ofthe idiotype network theory (Lindenmann 1973, Jeme 1974): antibodies as internal images of antigens. It soon became apparent, however, that antigenization of antibody was also a new, powerful way to provide a stable conformation to oligopeptides of general biological interest. Understanding the molecular and cellular requirements for antigenicity and immunogenicity of proteins is still a central issue in immunology. Antigenization of antibody may represent, therefore, a new alternative way to solve some of the puzzling aspects of immunology that still elude our understanding (e.g., the relationship between amino acid sequence, three-dimensional structure and function of soluble proteins and cell-surface receptors).