title: Sequences and diversity of human T cell receptor beta chain variable region genes.
abstract: The nucleotide sequences of 22 human T cell antigen receptor (TcR) beta chain variable region genes isolated from various T lymphocytes have been analyzed. Of the 19 variable gene segment (V beta)-containing sequences, 17 were unique. The V beta gene segments were grouped into 11 families. Comparisons were made with the data of Concannon et al. to unify the nomenclature. The data is consistent with a total V beta gene segment repertoire with a most probable value of 38 members and an upper bound of 104 members at the 95% confidence level. Southern blot data of germline DNA using selected TcR V beta cDNAs as probes support this estimate. The human repertoire is approximately three to four times greater than that reported for the mouse. Explanations for this discrepancy are proposed.
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic
chemical_list: D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D004247:DNA