Pathological crystallization of human immunoglobulins

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Aug 14;109(33):13359-61. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1211723109. Epub 2012 Jul 30.

Abstract

Condensation of Igs has been observed in pharmaceutical formulations and in vivo in cases of cryoglobulinemia. We report a study of monoclonal IgG cryoglobulins overexpressed by two patients with multiple myeloma. These cryoglobulins form crystals, and we measured their solubility lines. Depending on the supersaturation, we observed a variety of condensate morphologies consistent with those reported in clinical investigations. Remarkably, the crystallization can occur at quite low concentrations. This suggests that, even within the regular immune response to infections, cryoprecipitation of Ig can be possible.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Buffers
  • Cryoglobulinemia / immunology*
  • Cryoglobulinemia / pathology*
  • Cryoglobulins / chemistry*
  • Crystallization
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Solubility

Substances

  • Buffers
  • Cryoglobulins