T-cell receptor gene analysis in cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.
An essential property of the immune system is its ability to generate diverse antibody and T-cell mediated responses to virtually any potential foreign particle. The basic molecular mechanisms responsible for producing this extensive diversity have now been elucidated. Each T cell expresses a unique membrane bound T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) which combines with specific antigenic peptides and major histocompatibility complex molecules. The characterization of TCR usage now represents a focal point for many studies of inflammatory and neoplastic disorders. Such studies are helping to clarify the pathogenesis of T-cell mediated diseases and provide the basis for the development of specific therapies. This paper will review several techniques used to identify neoplastic T-cell clones in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Similar methods may be used to analyse TCR gene usage in cutaneous inflammatory dermatoses.
Whittaker
S
S
Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA; D015329:Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte / Q000235:genetics; D005796:Genes / Q000235:genetics*; D005803:Genes, Immunoglobulin / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D016410:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / Q000235:genetics*; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000235:genetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D004247:DNA