title: T-cell receptor alpha haplotype influences V alpha epitope expression on both cortisone-resistant thymocytes and lymph node T cells.
abstract: We have previously described a mouse strain congenic for the T-cell receptor alpha chain locus (Tcra). The strain, B10.D2.C-Tcraa/Bo, carries the Tcraa haplotype of BALB/c instead of the Tcrab haplotype normally found in B10.D2. By comparing B10.D2.C-Tcraa and B10.D2 mice, we now show that the Tcra haplotype influences the frequencies of V alpha 8 epitope expression on T cells detected by the novel B21.14 monoclonal antibody (MoAb). This finding agrees well with our previous observation that Tcra haplotype influences the frequencies of expression of two other V alpha 8 epitopes, detected by the KT50 and KT65 MoAbs. The specificities of the three V alpha 8-specific MoAbs were compared by scatter diagram analysis of staining frequencies obtained in individual mice. The B21.14 and KT50 MoAbs appear to have very similar specificities; these two MoAbs stain slightly more alpha beta T cells than the KT65 MoAb. Investigations with another novel MoAb, the V alpha 2-specific B20.1, revealed that the Tcra haplotype also influences the frequency of V alpha 2 epitope expression. The effect of the Tcra haplotype on V alpha 2 epitope expression was evident not only among lymph node T cells but also among mature, cortisone-resistant thymocytes. Thus, the influence of the Tcra haplotype is imprinted already in the thymus. The most likely explanations for Tcra haplotype dependency of V alpha epitope expression are differing numbers of V alpha-gene segment subfamily members and/or allelic polymorphism. The significance of Tcra haplotype-dependent V alpha epitope expression is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bogen
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gleditsch
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Teig
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D002883:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14; D003348:Cortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004351:Drug Resistance / Q000276:immunology; D000939:Epitopes; D006238:Haploidy; D006801:Humans; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region / Q000276:immunology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000166:cytology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000235:genetics*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000939:Epitopes; D007135:Immunoglobulin Variable Region; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D003348:Cortisone