A third T-cell receptor beta-chain variable region gene encodes reactivity to Mls-1a gene products.

Abstract
Using a quantitative RNA hybridization method, we have identified a third murine T-cell receptor .beta.-chain variable (V) region gene, V.beta.9, that engenders recognition of Mls-1a gene products. V.beta.9-expressing T cells are clonally deleted from the periphery of mice that carry the Mls-1a allele, and the fine specificity of V.beta.9+ hybridomas suggests that V.beta.6-, V.beta.8.1-, and V.beta.9-encoded T-cell receptors may recognize a similar antigenic epitope. Comparison of these three protein sequences identifies two residues that may be important in determining this recognition specificity.