Chimeric anti-N-glycolyl-ganglioside and its anti-idiotypic MAbs: immunodominance of their variable regions.

P3 monoclonal antibody (MAb) is a murine IgM that specifically recognizes N-glycolyl (NeuGc)-gangliosides and sulfatides. It also reacts with antigens expressed in human breast tumors and melanoma. In syngeneic model, P3 MAb is able to elicit a strong anti-idiotypic (Ab2) antibody response, even in the absence of adjuvants or carrier proteins. 1E10 MAb is an anti-idiotypic antibody specific for P3 MAb that has demonstrated anti-tumoral effects in syngeneic and allogeneic animals. Here we report the construction of the human IgG(1) chimeric P3 and 1E10 antibodies, and the evaluation of the maintenance of the main properties of the murine MAbs. Chimeric P3 antibody specifically reacted with GM3(NeuGc) and GM2(NeuGc) gangliosides, and not with their acetylated variants. Also, it strongly recognized the anti-idiotypic 1E10 MAb. Chimeric 1E10 antibody specifically reacted with P3 MAb. Upon immunization of Balb/c mice with both chimeric antibodies, we were able to demonstrate the immunodominance of their variable regions. The anti-idiotypic response induced by both antibodies was strong and in most of the mice was even significantly higher than the anti-isotypic response, despite the fact that 70% of the chimeric molecule is xenogenic with respect to the animal model.