title: T cell receptor beta chain usage in myelin basic protein-specific rat T lymphocytes.
abstract: Myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific T cell lines and clones have been established from rats of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-compatible Lewis and BS strains. All lines and clones are MHC class II restricted and share the CD4+ phenotype. The cells proliferate specifically in response to either a peptide representing amino acids #68-88 of guinea pig MBP, to residues #47-67 or to an unidentified myelin antigen which is distinct from MBP. All lines and clones specific for MBP express the same T cell receptor (TcR) variable (V) beta chain element, which is homologous to the mouse V beta 8.2 gene segment. Three lines/clones with the same antigen fine specificity have identical V beta D beta J beta junctions on the protein level, a region which represents part of the potential antigen-binding portion of the TcR; two of the lines express members of the V alpha 2 family. These results suggest biased usage of TcR V beta elements in rat T cells specific for MBP. Our findings broaden the basis for a rational therapeutic strategy to specifically intervene in the rodent model system of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.
authors: Max-Planck-Institut für Psychiatrie, Martinsried/München, FRG.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Chluba
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Steeg
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Becker
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Wekerle
authors: J T
authors: JT
authors: Epplen
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D002999:Clone Cells / Q000276:immunology; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology*; D015329:Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte; D005803:Genes, Immunoglobulin; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000276:immunology*; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000939:Epitopes; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell