idiotype

1. (immunology) A characteristic shared by a group of immunoglobulin or T-cell receptor molecules, based on the antigen-binding specificity of their variable region; and thus, the resultant immunologic phenotype, which can often be specific to a person or to only a small percentage of people.Examples: "PD mice also lacked serum Ig of 3-83 specificity (3-83 idiotype)."; "[…] we stained µ i/ i/ B cells and controls with the Ac146, an antibody that recognizes the idiotype produced by the V B1-8 DJ H - V 3-83 J replacement combination (19 )."