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The human T lymphocyte receptor complex for antigen and MHC
Behring Institute Mitteilungen
|August 1, 1985
Summary
Researchers identified the human T cell antigen receptor (TCR) as a complex of Ti and T3 molecules. This complex is crucial for T cell activation, proliferation, and immune response regulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The human T cell antigen receptor (TCR) is essential for adaptive immunity.
- Previous studies utilized cloned T lymphocytes and monoclonal antibodies to investigate TCR structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the molecular composition of the human TCR.
- To elucidate the role of the TCR in T cell activation and proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cloned antigen-specific T lymphocytes.
- Use of monoclonal antibodies targeting surface glycoprotein components.
Main Results:
- The human TCR is a complex of a 90 kD Ti heterodimer and invariant 20/25 kD T3 molecules.
- Approximately 30,000-40,000 Ti and T3 molecules are expressed on T lymphocytes.
- TCR triggering leads to increased cytoplasmic Ca2+ and antigen-induced proliferation via IL-2.
Conclusions:
- The T3-Ti complex provides the structural basis for immunologic competence.
- Understanding TCR structure and function is key to T cell growth regulation in disease.