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Use of variable human V delta genes to create functional T cell receptor alpha chain transcripts
A Sottini1, L Imberti, G Fiordalisi
1Consorzio per le Biotecnologie-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), University of Brescia, Italy.
European Journal of Immunology
|October 1, 1991
Summary
The human T cell receptor alpha and delta repertoires are not distinct, as V delta genes can rearrange with J alpha segments. This suggests that the limited delta repertoire in gamma/delta T cells is due to selection, not gene rearrangement control.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Previous research identified five human T cell receptor delta (V delta) segments distinct from known V alpha segments.
- The relationship between T cell receptor delta and alpha repertoires requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between human T cell receptor delta and alpha repertoires.
- To determine if V delta genes can rearrange with V alpha genes.
Main Methods:
- Amplification of cDNA from polyclonally activated lymphocytes using specific V delta and C alpha primers.
- Sequence analysis of amplified products to identify V delta-J alpha-C alpha transcripts.
Main Results:
- Functional V delta-J alpha-C alpha transcripts were detected in various activated T cell populations.
- Each cell population exhibited a selective pattern of V delta gene usage.
- Sequence analysis confirmed that known V delta genes can productively rearrange to J alpha segments.
Conclusions:
- The human V delta and V alpha repertoires are not distinct, challenging previous notions.
- The restricted delta repertoire in gamma/delta T cell receptor clones likely arises from selection processes rather than controlled rearrangements at the alpha/delta locus.