Polymorphism of the human T cell receptor alpha chain variable genes: identification of a highly polymorphic V gene probe.
In this study, we report the RFLP of the human T cell receptor (TCR) alpha chain variable gene segments. Using DNA samples from 20 individuals and three restriction endonucleases (BamHI, EcoRI and HindIII), the degree of RFLP of a number of different V gene segments was defined. Half of the V alpha subfamilies (6/12) were characterized by a predominant hybridization pattern, with only a few individuals displaying a second pattern. However, one particular V gene family, V alpha 6, has at least five allelic forms that segregated consistently in familial studies. The V alpha polymorphisms revealed in this study, together with those exhibited by V beta gene subfamilies, should prove useful in studying possible associations between TCR gene usage and disorders of the immune system.
Chan
A
A
Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto, Canada.
Du
R P
RP
Reis
M
M
Baillie
E
E
Meske
L M
LM
Sheehy
M
M
Mak
T W
TW
D000483:Alleles; D015342:DNA Probes; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010375:Pedigree; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
D015342:DNA Probes; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta