Immunoglobulin heavy variable 3-21 (IGHV3-21)

Immunoglobulin heavy variable 3-21 (IGHV3-21) encodes the variable region of immunoglobulin heavy chains, which, together with light chains, form the antigen-binding sites of immunoglobulins (antibodies). This region is produced by V-(D)-J gene rearrangement and can undergo somatic hypermutation, contributing to antigen diversity and affinity maturation. IGHV3-21 is notably expressed in a subset of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cases, where its stereotypic usage and sequence motifs correlate with particular disease subsets, mechanisms of antigen selection, and outcomes[1][2][5]. This gene is part of the broader adaptive immune response acting through antigen binding and signaling via B cell receptors[1][5]. It is not a conventional therapeutic target but is important as a biomarker for disease classification and prognosis, particularly in B cell malignancies such as CLL[2].

Other names

Immunoglobulin heavy variable 3-21IGHV3-21IGHV321VHimmunoglobulin heavy chain variable region