Transgenic mice to study T-cell receptor gene regulation and repertoire formation

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Abstract
Transgenic mice have been obtained with genes coding for an αβ T-cell receptor that recognizes the male-specific antigen H-Y in association with the Db class I major histocompatibility complex molecule. Most if not all of the T-cells express the β chain encoded by the transgene and show allelic exclusion of endogenous β genes. In contrast, the expression of the α transgene does not completely block rearrangement and formation of functional endogenous α genes. In H-2b transgenic female mice the transgenic T-cell receptor is functionally expressed on at least 30% of CD8+ peripheral T-lymphocytes as indicated by their ability to lyse male target cells. Also in transgenic H-2b male mice a large proportion of peripheral T-cells appear to express the transgenic receptor. However, these cells do not react with male target cells because they show only low level or no expression of CD8 cell interaction molecules. Tolerance is established in the male transgenic thymus through deletion of CD4+CD8+ immature thymocytes.Key words: transgenic mice, immune system, T-lymphocytes, T-cell receptor, tolerance, CD8 surface antigen, enhancer, gene rearrangement, allelic exclusion.

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