Regulation of Immune Responses by Peptides of T-Cell Receptor Variable Region,

Abstract

The antigen receptor of T lymphocytes (TCR) confers antigen specificity and MHC restriction to T-cell response to antigen. The TCR is a heterodimer composed of alpha and beta or gamma and delta chains, all of which have variable NH2-terminal domains encoded by V, J or V, D, J gene regions. Nearly all T-cells bearing particular V(beta) regions on their TCR are stimulated by some antigens such as pathogenic bacterial toxins and self antigens involved in autoimmune responses. These antigens termed superantigens provide a tool in the investigation of the structure-function of molecular recognition. In order to identify putative sites on the V(beta) region which bind the superantigen, the MMTV encoded minor lymphocyte stimulating gene, we have synthesized a series of peptides of V(beta)6. The peptides of the variable region correspond to the proposed solvent-exposed beta-pleated sheet of the beta chain. We have used these peptides to inhibit the activation of T-cell hybridomas which bear V(beta)6 on their TCR and which react with the superantigen.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADP008553

Entities

People

  • Bhagirath Singh
  • Donna Macneil
  • Ester Fraga

Organizations

  • University of Alberta

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Antigens
  • Autoimmunity
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Lymphocytes
  • T Lymphocytes

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Molecular and genetic basis of cancer.