The T cell differentiation antigen Leu-2/T8 is homologous to immunoglobulin and T cell receptor variable regions.
Leu-2/T8 is a cell surface glycoprotein expressed by most cytotoxic and suppressor T lymphocytes. Its expression on T cells correlates best with recognition of class I major histocompatibility complex antigens, and it has been postulated to be a receptor for these proteins. We have determined the complete primary structure of Leu-2/T8 from the nucleotide sequence of its cDNA. The protein contains a classical signal peptide, two external domains, a hydrophobic transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic tail. The N-terminal domain of the protein has striking homology to variable regions of immunoglobulins and the T cell receptor. The membrane-proximal domain appears to be a hinge-like region similar to that of immunoglobulin heavy chains. The superfamily of immunologically important surface molecules can now be extended to include Leu-2/T8.
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D001483:Base Sequence; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D004247:DNA