Immunization of mice with DNA coding for the variable regions of anti-idiotypic antibody generates antigen-specific response

Understanding the mechanisms of generation and maintenance of immunological memory is crucial for rational vaccine design.Ahypothesis known as relay hypothesis was earlier proposed which explains the maintenance of immunological memory through interaction of idiotypic and anti-idiotypic lymphocytes. In the present study, we have shown that immunization with rinderpest virus hemagglutinin protein specific anti-idiotypic antibody $(Ab2v_\beta)$ DNAs coding for heavy and light chains generates antigen-specific antibody and T cell responses as well as Ab1 specific T cell response. We further show that boosting with the recombinant $Ab_2-v_\beta$ proteins generates B and T cell memory response specific for antigen in anti-id DNA primed mice. This study provides experimental evidence for perpetuation of immunological memory through idiotypic network interactions.