T-cell receptor variable region gene usage in T-cell populations.
We have examined T-cell receptor alpha- and beta-chain variable (V) region gene usage in T-cell populations predicted to have different major histocompatibility complex-restriction specificities. Using a sensitive ribonuclease protection assay to measure T-cell receptor mRNA levels, we found no striking differences in the usage of three V alpha genes and three V beta genes in T-cell populations from three congeneic H-2-disparate strains of mice and between the mutually exclusive Ly2+ L3T4- and Ly2- L3T4+ T-cell subpopulations. These results suggest that major histocompatibility complex restriction cannot be explained by the differential usage of nonoverlapping V alpha or V beta gene pools. In contrast, striking but unpredictable differences were seen in V gene usage in populations of T cells selected by activation with particular alloantigens.
D000818:Animals; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000950:Antigens, Ly / Q000032:analysis; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D005796:Genes; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000950:Antigens, Ly; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell