Mechanisms of generating T cell receptor diversity

T cells are able to respond to foreign antigens by means of a diverse repertoire of antigen-specific receptors (T cell receptors or TCRs). There are two classes of TCRs (αβ and γδ) that are found on mutually exclusive populations of T cells. Diversity in each receptor subunit (α, β, γ, or δ) is generated by several mechanisms with the key process being gene rearrangement. Sequence analysis of TCR subunits has revealed a region that is variable in amino acid composition and is equivalent to the third complementary determining region (CDR3) found in immunoglobulins (Igs). This region is encoded at the position where gene segments join and it has been shown to be important in defining specificity of an Ig or TCR for antigen. The mechanisms of generating diversity at this junction include the deletion of nucleotides from the ends of the genes and/or addition of nucleotides in this region. It has not been determined if both αβ and γδ T cells use the same recombinational machinery in these processes.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biochemistry

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Holman, Philmore Omar

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kranz, David M.

• Biology, Molecular
• Biology, Cell

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1995 Holman, Philmore Omar

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9543607
(UMI)AAI9543607

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/21379