Antigen receptor allelic exclusion: an update and reappraisal.
Most lymphocytes express cell surface Ag receptor chains from single alleles of distinct Ig or TCR loci. Since the identification of Ag receptor allelic exclusion, the importance of this process and the precise molecular mechanisms by which it is achieved have remained enigmatic. This brief review summarizes current knowledge of the extent to which Ig and TCR loci are subject to allelic exclusion. Recent progress in studying and defining mechanistic steps and molecules that may control the monoallelic initiation and subsequent inhibition of V-to-(D)-J recombination is outlined using the mouse TCRβ locus as a model with frequent comparisons to the mouse IgH and Igκ loci. Potential consequences of defects in mechanisms that control Ag receptor allelic exclusion and a reappraisal of the physiologic relevance of this immunologic process also are discussed.
Brady
Brenna L
BL
Immunology Graduate Group, Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Steinel
Natalie C
NC
Bassing
Craig H
CH
D000483:Alleles; D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D017634:Self Tolerance / Q000235:genetics
D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell