T cell receptor β chain usage in myelin basic protein‐specific rat T lymphocytes

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Abstract
Myelin basic protein (MBP)‐specific T cell lines and clones have been established from rats of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐compatible Lewis and BS strains. All lines and clones are MHC class II restricted and share the CD4 phenotype. The cells proliferate specifically in response to either a peptide representing amino acids #68–88 of guinea pig MBP, to residues #47–67 or to an unidentified myelin antigen which is distinct from MBP. All lines and clones specific for MBP express the same T cell receptor (TcR) variable (V) β chain element, which is homologous to the mouse Vβ8.2 gene segment. Three lines/clones with the same antigen fine specificity have identical VβDβJβ junctions on the protein level, a region which represents part of the potential antigen‐binding protion of the TcR; two of the lines express members of the Vα2 family. These results suggest biased usage of TcR Vβ elements in rat T cells specific for MBP. Our findings broaden the basis for a rational therapeutic strategy to specifically intervene in the rodent model system of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.