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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

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Published on: October 25, 2016
Assembled DJ beta complexes influence TCR beta chain selection and peripheral V beta repertoire
Andrea C Carpenter1, Katherine S Yang-Iott, Linda H Chao
1Immunology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
The diversity of T-cell receptor beta (TCRbeta) joining (DJbeta) complexes influences T-cell development and the peripheral Vbeta repertoire. This study reveals how TCRbeta chain selection is impacted by DJbeta complex diversity during thymocyte development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- T-cell receptor beta (TCRbeta) chain repertoire generation involves stepwise V region exon assembly and selection during thymocyte development.
- The endogenous TCRbeta allele, Jbeta1(omega), lacks the Dbeta2-Jbeta2 cluster, making it a suitable model for studying TCRbeta rearrangement and selection processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a two-step Vbeta rearrangement process on TCRbeta chain selection and repertoire diversity.
- To evaluate how preassembled Dbeta1Jbeta1.1 complexes influence Vbeta rearrangement and T-cell development.
Main Methods:
- Generation of genetically modified mice with specific TCRbeta alleles (Jbeta1(DJbeta) and Jbeta1(omega)).
- Analysis of thymocyte development, TCRbeta allelic exclusion, and Vbeta rearrangement frequencies.
- Assessment of T-cell receptor beta-mediated feedback regulation and Vbeta repertoire composition in peripheral T cells.
Main Results:
- Mice with Jbeta1(DJbeta) alleles showed normal thymocyte development and TCRbeta allelic exclusion.
- Vbeta rearrangements on Jbeta1(DJbeta) alleles occurred at a higher frequency and were preferentially selected.
- The Vbeta repertoire of peripheral T cells was significantly altered in mice with Jbeta1(DJbeta) alleles compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The diversity of DJbeta complexes during thymocyte development plays a crucial role in TCRbeta chain selection.
- Preferential selection of in-frame VbetaDJbeta rearrangements on Jbeta1(DJbeta) alleles shapes the peripheral Vbeta repertoire.
- This study highlights the influence of Vbeta rearrangement mechanisms on the generation of a diverse T-cell repertoire.
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