idiotypes of streptococcal antibodies in genetic studies is the occurrence of IgG and IgM anti-IgG's in the antisera of rabbits immunized with streptococcal vaccines

Recent genetic studies on the immune response suggest tha t idiotypic markers of antibodies are inherited. Id io typic cross-reactions were detected among the antibodies to the Group C carbohydra te from related rabbi ts while these same idiotypic specificities were not seen in unrela ted rabbi ts (1). Genetic studies with inbred mice immunized with various bacterial and synthet ic antigens indicate tha t idiotypic markers are t ransmi t ted from parents to offspring (2-5).