The T cell repertoire may be biased in favor of MHC recognition.
The receptors of two T cell hybridomas that recognize class I and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, respectively, have been compared. In both cases these receptors are hybrid molecules formed as a result of cellular fusion. The receptors contain the same alpha chain, contributed by the tumor cell fusion partner, and related beta chains, contributed by the normal T cell component. Thus, surprisingly, the same alpha chain can contribute to recognition of class I and class II MHC molecules. Moreover, the finding that in two independent examples hybrid receptor molecules created randomly by in vitro cell fusion recognize MHC supports the theory that the T cell repertoire has an intrinsic affinity for MHC.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001483:Base Sequence; D002459:Cell Fusion; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005816:Genetic Complementation Test; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000378:metabolism; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007376:Interleukin-2; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D004247:DNA