Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Generation of Human Alloantigen-specific T Cells from Peripheral Blood
Published on: November 21, 2014
Clonotypically similar hybrid αβ T cell receptors can exhibit markedly different surface expression, antigen
C Motozono1,2, J S Bridgeman2, D A Price2
1Center for AIDS Research, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
Emerging data indicate that particular major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-bound antigenic peptides can be recognized by identical or near-identical αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) in different individuals. To establish the functional relevance of this phenomenon, we artificially paired α and β chains from closely related TCRs specific for the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B*35:01-restricted HIV-1 negative regulatory factor (Nef)-derived epitope VY8 (VPLRPMTY, residues 74-81). Several hybrid TCRs generated in this manner failed to express at the cell surface, despite near homology with naturally isolated αβ chain combinations. Moreover, a substantial proportion of those αβ TCRs that did express lost specificity for the index VY8 peptide sequence. One such hybrid αβ pair gained neo-variant specificity in the context of the VY8 backbone. Collectively, these data show that clonotypically similar TCRs can display profound differences in surface expression, antigen specificity and cross-reactivity with potential relevance for the control of mutable viruses.
Emerging data indicate that particular major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-bound antigenic peptides can be recognized by identical or near-identical αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) in different individuals. To establish the functional relevance of this phenomenon, we artificially paired α and β chains from closely related TCRs specific for the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B*35:01-restricted HIV-1 negative regulatory factor (Nef)-derived epitope VY8 (VPLRPMTY, residues 74-81). Several hybrid TCRs generated in this manner failed to express at the cell surface, despite near homology with naturally isolated αβ chain combinations. Moreover, a substantial proportion of those αβ TCRs that did express lost specificity for the index VY8 peptide sequence. One such hybrid αβ pair gained neo-variant specificity in the context of the VY8 backbone. Collectively, these data show that clonotypically similar TCRs can display profound differences in surface expression, antigen specificity and cross-reactivity with potential relevance for the control of mutable viruses.
More Related Videos
08:48Generating De Novo Antigen-specific Human T Cell Receptors by Retroviral Transduction of Centric Hemichain
Published on: October 25, 2016
09:53Using X-ray Crystallography, Biophysics, and Functional Assays to Determine the Mechanisms Governing T-cell Receptor Recognition of Cancer Antigens
Published on: February 6, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Cross-reactivity
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
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...
Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and...
Hybridoma Technology
Hybridoma Selection
Commonly used fusion techniques — electroporation,...