Anti-Idiotypic Antibodies

An antibody specific for the variable regions, or idiotype, of another antibody (Ab1) is termed anti-idiotypic antibody (Ab2). The Idiotypic Network is one of the most polemic theories in the field of Immunology. Nevertheless, naturally occurring anti-idiotypic antibodies have been associated with the progression or control of some pathological conditions. The most exploited property of anti-idiotypic antibodies is their ability to mimic antigens of diverse chemical nature. Thus, immunization with an Ab2 generated against an Ab1 specific for a given antigen may elicit an immune response specific for the antigen. Vaccine formulations based on anti-idiotypic antibodies have been assayed for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.