Surface expression of the T cell receptor complex requires charged residues within the α chain transmembrane region

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The T cell receptor (TcR) complex is a multi‐subunit glycoprotein comprising at least five transmembrane polypeptides. An unusual characteristic of each of the trans‐bilayer domains is the presence of charged amino acids. To examine the importance of these residues for the association and consequent surface expression of the components of the complex, a TcR α chain containing either charged or neutral residues within its transbilayer segment was introduced into the human T cell line MOLT‐4, and the appearance of the TcR complex at the cell surface was assayed. Surface expression was observed only in MOLT‐4 cells transfected with the α chain containing charged transbilayer residues. Thus, these residues most probably play a crucial role in the assembly process.