Page 492 - Veterinary Immunology, 10th Edition

Thus the immunoglobulins of one individual may differ from those
VetBooks.ir of another individual of the same species (Fig. 16.11). These allelic

sequence variations in heavy chain genes are reflected in structural
differences called allotypes.

FIG. 16.11 A schematic diagram showing the differences among
the inheritance of the major immunoglobulin variants.

Idiotypes

The third group of structural variants found in immunoglobulins
results from the variations in the amino acid sequences within the
variable domains on light and heavy chains. These variants are
called idiotopes. The collection of idiotopes on an immunoglobulin

is called its idiotype. Most idiotopes are located within the antigen-
binding site.

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