Simultaneous expression of κ and λ light chains in a murine IgG₃ anti- Cryptococcus neoformans hybridoma cell line

Allelic exclusion normally results in the expression of only one light and one heavy chain gene. However, some hybridomas have been reported to express two different heavy chain genes. Here we report that the IgG₃ hybridoma 4H3.C8B expresses both κ and λ light chains. 4H3.C8B was originally recovered by screening for antibody binding to Cryptococcus neoformans polysaccharide antigen and characterized as γ3λ. The γ3λ but not the γ3κ binds to polysaccharide antigen. Some of the antibody molecules were heterodimers composed of both λ and κ. IgG₁ and IgG(2b) isotype switch variants were identified and isolated by the technique of sib selection, using the ELISA spot assay. Like the parent IgG₃ line, the switch variants continued to express both κ and λ light chains but only the λ-containing antibodies bound to the antigen. Our experience suggests that hybridomas recovered by assays that are antigen dependent should also be tested for the expression of other isotypes and light chains in a non-antigen-binding immunoassay.