Selection of T cell receptor variable gene‐encoded amino acids on the third binding site loop: a factor influencing variable chain selection in a T cell response

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The 3′ end of the T cell receptor Vβ7.1 gene contains the five nucleotides CAAGA between the broadly conserved consensus sequence of nucleotides TGC/T GCC AGC AGC (which encode cysteine, alanine, serine and serine at positions 92–95 of the β chain) and the heptamer that signals rearrangement. These nucleotides are frequently preserved during gene rearrangement, resulting in the common presence of glutamine at position 96 and of aspartate or glutamate at position 97 of the Vβ7.1 chain CDR3 loop in peripheral blood lymphocytes. There is selection of Vβ7.1 and of the Vβ7.1 gene‐encoded glutamate at position 97 of the β chain CDR3 loop in the cytotoxic T lymphocyte response to the HLA B2705‐restricted influenza A nucleoprotein epitope SRYWAIRTR. Our results indicate that selection of Vβ7.1 gene‐encoded amino acid residues on CDR3 loops may be one factor driving selection of Vβ7.1 in this response.