Main description:

Here is an up-to-date review of important new methods and results in anti-idiotypes, receptors, and molecular mimicry. It begins with a discussion of the theoretical background of the anti-idiotypic network, it's role in the regulation of immune response, and the physical characteristics of anti-idiotypic antibodies. It then goes on to explore many exciting applications in such areas as insulin action, thyroid cell function, the neurosciences, cardiology, virology, pharmacology, and reproduction.

Contents:

Idiotypes, Paratopes, and Molecular Mimicry.- Functional Heterogeneity of Anti-Idiotype Antibodies.- Comparison of the Anti-PC Response to Nominal and Idiotope Antigens.- Anti-Idiotypes as Probes of Immunoglobulin Structure.- A Molecular Recognition Code: Its Use for the Purification of ACTH, Endorphin, and LHRH Receptors.- Anti-idiotypic Antibodies and Substance P Receptors.- Anti-idiotypic Antibodies Approach to the Study of the TSH Receptor.- Mice Immunized to Insulin Develop Anti-idiotypic Antibody to the Insulin Receptor.- Molecular Characterization of Anti-Neuroleptic Idiotypes and Anti-Idiotypes.- Opiate Receptors and Molecular Shapes.- Monoclonal Antibodies to Benzodiazepines.- Idiotypy and the ?-Adrenergic Receptor.- Crime and Punishment in the Society of Lymphocytes: A Speculation on the Structure of the Putative Idiotypic Network.- Identification of Glucose Transporter Using Anti-idiotypic Antibodies, Anti-Transporter Antibodies, and Peptide Maps.- Autolmmunization Against Hormones: A New Strategy in Animal Production.- Anti-Idiotypes and Lymphokine Receptors: Interferon as a Model.- Anti-Idiotypes, Retrovirus Receptors, and an Idiotypic Network in a Model of Retrovirus-Induced Thymic Leukemia.- An Idiotype Approach for a Vaccine Against Hepatitis B Surface Antigen.- Regulation of Cell Growth and Immunity by Reovirus Anti-Receptor Antibodies.- The Production and Characterization of Anti-idiotypic Antibodies Directed Against a Monoclonal Anti-Bovine Herpesvirus I Antibody.