Antigen mimicry by anti-idiotype antibodies that recognize a common anti-hepatitis B surface antigen idiotype.

Anti-idiotype antibodies that recognize a common human idiotype present on antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) from individuals naturally infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and an interspecies idiotype on anti-HBs produced by active immunization with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were used in vivo to modulate idiotype networks in mice. Injection of anti-idiotype antibodies without subsequent HBsAg stimulation induced an anti-HBs response. The anti-idiotype-induced anti-HBs recognized the group-specific a determinant (s) of HBsAg, which has been shown to be responsible for induction of protective immunity to HBV in both chimpanzees and humans. In addition, the anti-HBs expressed an interspecies idiotype which is shared by humans naturally infected with HBV. Prior inoculation of mice with alum-adsorbed anti-idiotype potentiated the immune response to a subsequent inoculation with either native HBsAg particles or with a synthetic HBsAg peptide. These data suggest the potential use of anti-idiotype antibodies as a vaccine or vaccine potentiator for HBV.