Study Describes DNA Changes That Prevent Self-Reactive Antibodies

A new study published in Nature examines how the immune system generates millions of distinct antibodies daily while avoiding production of antibodies that attack the body's own tissues. Li et al. report that specific changes in antibody-encoding DNA sequences support generation of a wide antibody repertoire and simultaneously prevent formation of genes that encode self-reacting antibodies.

The body produces large numbers of antibodies to fight infections. Earlier research has shown that antibody genes undergo rearrangement and editing processes during immune-cell development.

The study describes a process called linear RAG scanning that mediates editing of Igκ variable region repertoires. This scanning mechanism limits the creation of self-reactive antibody genes. " — Li et al.