[The T-cell receptor--its participation in the pathological immune response]

This work reviews clonal rearrangements of T-cell receptor genes in peripheral T-cells of patients with lymphoproliferative diseases. The role of T-cell genes for predisposition to autoimmune diseases is analysed. Methodological approaches for analysis of T-cell receptor repertoire and autoimmune diseases are presented. The role of T-cell receptor-antigen recognitions in IgE mediated allergic reactions is described.