Anti-idiotype antibodies abrogate the tissue deposition of anti-RNP human autoantibodies injected into neonatal BALB/c mice. 
The goals of the current work are: 1) to examine the epidermal deposition of anti-RNP IgG human autoantibodies in neonatal BALB/c mice; 2) to look for immunoregulatory effects of anti-idiotypes allowing one to inhibit the epidermal deposition of anti-RNP antibodies; and 3) to elicit antinuclear antibodies in adult BALB/c mice by internal images of anti-idiotypes.  Anti-idiotype antibodies were produced with human anti-RNP IgG obtained by ion exchange chromatography; F(ab')2 fragments were recovered from pepsin digestion and were purified using Sephacryl S-300.  F(ab')2 fragments were then used to immunize New Zealand rabbits.  The anti-RNP IgG recognized the 70 kDa protein and the A (31 kDa) and C (19 kDa) proteins, while the anti-idiotype antibody specifically recognized the light or heavy chain of the anti-RNP (Fab')2 fragments.  Additionally, anti-idiotypes recognized the anti-RNP IgG from some sera, but not the IgG from other specificities or from normal IgG. When anti-RNP IgG was injected intraperitoneally into BALB/c mice it induced immune complex deposition in the epidermis and at the dermal-epidermal junction.  Previous injection of anti-idiotype antibodies abrogated the anti-RNP IgG deposits.  Vaccination with anti-idiotypes elicit antinuclear antibodies in adult BALB/c mice.  Anti-idiotype antibodies abrogate in vitro the antinuclear antibody deposition in neonatal BALB/c mice.  Anti-idiotype antibodies elicit antinuclear antibodies in adult BALB/c mice.