Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Generation of High Quality Chromatin Immunoprecipitation DNA Template for High-throughput Sequencing ChIP-seq
Published on: April 19, 2013
A susceptibility locus for multiple sclerosis is linked to the T cell receptor beta chain complex
E Seboun1, M A Robinson, T H Doolittle
1Neuroimmunology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Genetic analysis of T cell receptor beta (TCR beta) genes in multiple sclerosis (MS) families revealed a significant link. Specific TCR beta gene segments are overrepresented in individuals with MS, suggesting a genetic susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Neuroimmunology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- The genetic basis of MS susceptibility is not fully understood, with multiple genes likely contributing.
- The T cell receptor (TCR) plays a crucial role in adaptive immunity and immune-mediated diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of T cell receptor beta (TCR beta) genes in MS susceptibility.
- To analyze the inheritance patterns of TCR beta haplotypes in families with multiple affected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Segregation analysis of polymorphic markers within the TCR beta complex was performed.
- Inheritance of TCR beta haplotypes was studied in 40 sibling pairs concordant for relapsing-remitting MS.
- Allele frequencies of TCR beta variable region gene segments were compared between MS patients and controls.
Main Results:
- MS sibling pairs showed a significantly increased proportion of TCR beta haplotypes identical by descent (IBD) compared to expected values.
- Haplotype sharing was random between MS patients and their unaffected siblings.
- A specific allelic form of a TCR beta variable region gene segment was found to be overrepresented on chromosomes transmitted to MS offspring.
Conclusions:
- These findings demonstrate that genes within the TCR beta complex, or closely linked loci, influence susceptibility to multiple sclerosis.
- The study implicates the TCR beta locus in the genetic predisposition to MS.
- Further research is warranted to identify the specific gene(s) responsible for this association.
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

