IDIOTOPE

idiotope: translation

An antigenic determinant (epitope) unique to a single clone of cells and located in the variable region of the immunoglobulin product of that clone or to the T-cell receptor. The idiotope forms part of the antigen-binding site. Any single immunoglobulin may have more than one idiotope. Idiotopes are also associated with the antigen-binding sites of T-cell receptors and are the epitopes to which an anti-idiotype antibody or T-cell binds.