ABSTRACT
Human immunoglobulin molecules are coded by three gene families: two for light chains located on chromosomes 2 (κ chains) and 22 (λ chains), and one for heavy chains located on chromosome 14. The gene segments encoding immunoglobulin genes are scattered along a chromosome of the germ-line genome. They are brought together (recombined) during B-lymphocyte differentiation to form a complete immunoglobulin gene. This chapter describes the mechanisms involved in recombination and in the generation of tremendous diversity of antibody molecules. This chapter also discusses in detail an understudied area of immunology—immunoglobulin GM allotypes. These highly polymorphic determinants play a significant role in immunity to various autoimmune, malignant, and infectious diseases.
