The immunoglobulin CH1 constant region modulates antigen binding affinity and functional activities of the broadly neutralizing 2F5 HIV specific antibody

Background The ability of the heavy chain constant region (CH) to affect antibody affinity and specificity could be at the origin of a stronger or weaker memory response, depending on the isotype. Using as a model the broadly neutralizing human mAb 2F5, directed against the membrane proximal region (MPER) of the HIV-1 envelope transmembrane subunit gp41, we investigated the interplay between 2F5 isotype and functional activity.