1. The set of genetic and structural characteristics that make an antibody or immune cell unique, including its variable regions and antigen-binding sites.
Usage: immunology; technical

Examples

• Each B cell produces antibodies with a distinct idiotype that determines which antigens it can recognize.
• The idiotype of a monoclonal antibody is crucial for its specificity in targeting cancer cells.
• Researchers compared the idiotypes of antibodies from different patients to understand immune responses.
• The immune system can generate millions of different idiotypes to defend against pathogens.
• Idiotype-based vaccines are being developed to treat certain types of lymphoma.