Allelic variations in the human T cell receptor V beta 6.7 gene products

Genomic absence of the gene encoding T cell receptor Vbeta7.2 is linked to the presence of autoantibodies in Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

It is not yet known whether the absence of certain T cell receptor V(beta) (TCRBV) genes (e.g., due to genomic deletion) has functional significance. We examined this question in relation to a known 21.6-kb insertion/deletion-related polymorphism (IDRP) in the human BV locus.

METHODS

New polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping methods were used. Monoclonal antibodies to TCRBV gene products were used to confirm the absence of the relevant proteins. Patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were compared with normal controls with regard to TCR genotypes and serologic profiles.

RESULTS

There are 3 known haplotypes (I, D1, D2) and 6 possible genotypes related to the 21.6-kb IDRP. Novel PCR-based methods were used to define these genotypes. In subjects with deleted/deleted (D/D) genotypes, T cells could not express V(beta)7.2 TCRs, as assayed with a new antibody specific for V(beta)7.2. This was the sole significant difference between subjects without the insertion and those with either 1 or 2 copies. Surprisingly, we found that the D/D genotype was associated with primary SS, but only when pathogenic autoantibodies were present.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that T cells expressing TCRs with V(beta)7.2 are protective against a pathogenic immune response in SS. Thus, genomic polymorphism of TCR genes (along with the correct HLA alleles) determines whether T cells can direct a pathogenic autoimmune response.

Diagnostic role of tests for T cell receptor (TCR) genes

Rapid advances in molecular biological techniques have made it possible to study disease pathogenesis at a genomic level. T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement is an important event in T cell ontogeny that enables T cells to recognise antigens specifically, and any dysregulation in this complex yet highly regulated process may result in disease. Using techniques such as Southern blot hybridisation, polymerase chain reaction, and flow cytometry it has been possible to characterise T cell proliferations in malignancy and in diseases where T cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis. The main aim of this article is to discuss briefly the process of TCR gene rearrangement and highlight the disorders in which expansions or clonal proliferations of T cells have been recognised. It will also describe various methods that are currently used to study T cell populations in body fluids and tissue, their diagnostic role, and current limitations of the methodology.

Association study of proposed candidate genes/regions in a population of Spanish asthmatics

A number of genes/regions have recently been reported to be linked to asthma or its related phenotypes (i.e. atopy and bronchial hyperresponsiveness), by genetic linkage and allele-sharing methods. We have performed a case-control study comparing the allelic distribution of nine microsatellite markers and two genetic variants in a group of patients attended at emergency room departments because of an acute attack of asthma with respect to an external healthy population of controls. A total of 146 asthmatic subjects and 50 population controls from Barcelona, Spain, were genotyped for nine microsatellite markers from some asthma/atopy candidate genes/regions: the beta-subunit of the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilonRI-beta) located on chromosome 11; the 5q31-32 candidate region; the T-cell receptor genes, TCR-alpha on chromosome 14 and TCR-beta on chromosome 7. Two genetic variants of the beta-subunit of the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilonRI-beta) gene were also analyzed. None of the asthmatic or control individuals carried the Ile181Leu variant. There were no significant differences between asthmatic and control subjects neither for the polymorphic markers nor for the other variant of the beta-subunit of the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilonRI-beta) gene. No association could be observed in this sample of Spanish asthmatics with the genes/regions studied.

T cell receptor repertoire and function in patients with DiGeorge syndrome and velocardiofacial syndrome

DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) and velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) are associated with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion. Limited information is available on the T cell receptor (TCR) Vbeta repertoire. We therefore investigated TCR Vbeta families in lymphocytes isolated from blood and thymic samples of seven patients with DGS and seven patients with VCFS, all with 22q11.2 deletion. We also studied activities related to TCR signalling including in vitro proliferation, anti-CD3-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and susceptibility to apoptosis. Reduced CD3+ T cells were observed in most patients. Spontaneous improvement of T cell numbers was detected in patients, 3 years after the first study. Analysis of CD4+ and CD8+ TCR Vbeta repertoire in peripheral and thymic cells showed a normal distribution of populations even if occasional deletions were observed. Lymphoproliferative responses to mitogens were comparable to controls as well as anti-CD3-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Increased anti-CD3-mediated apoptosis was observed in thymic cells. Our data support the idea that in patients surviving the correction of cardiac anomalies, the immune defect appears milder than originally thought, suggesting development of a normal repertoire of mature T cells.

Human T-cell receptor BV6 gene polymorphism in relation to expression level and CD4/CD8 skewness

Using 50 samples of umbilical cord blood lymphocytes from Japanese donors, we analysed two human T-cell receptor beta variable (TCRBV) genes, BV6S4 and BV6S5, for their polymorphism, usage frequencies and CD4/CD8 skewness. They showed contrasting CD4/CD8 skewness, BV6S4 to CD8+ T cells and BV6S5 to CD4+ T cells. Genotyping of the BV6S4 alleles (A1, A2 and A3) revealed two of the six possible BV6S4 genotypes, A1/A2 and A2/A2. Among the two BV6S4 genotypes, no significant difference was detected in usage frequency or CD4/CD8 skewness. On the other hand, genotyping of the BV6S5 alleles (A1 and A2) revealed all three possible BV6S5 genotypes, A1/A1, A1/A2 and A2/A2, and the gene usage frequency was high, in the order A1/A1 > A1/A2 > A2/A2. These results indicate that the amino acid substitutions in BV6S5 (S36R and G70E) are in some way associated with the expression level of this gene. In the analysis of CD4/CD8 skewness, the three BV6S5 genotypes had similar skewness, indicating that A1 alleles are expressed more frequently than A2 alleles in both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell populations. Although BV6S5 exhibits marked skewness to CD4+ T cells, our results indicate that the higher expression of A1 alleles is not associated with the increased ratio of CD4+ T cells.

Association of HLA and T-cell receptor gene polymorphisms with Semple rabies vaccine-induced autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Semple rabies vaccine is derived from brain tissue infected with rabies virus that is subsequently inactivated with phenol. Semple rabies vaccine-induced autoimmune encephalomyelitis (SAE) occurs in 1 in 220 immunized individuals. The immune response to myelin basic protein and pathological changes of demyelination in SAE suggest that this disease is the human homologue of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). SAE and EAE are frequently studied as models for the human demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene polymorphisms play important roles in rodent susceptibility to EAE and were analyzed to determine if the same was true in humans with SAE. HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, and TCRBV gene polymorphisms were studied in Thai individuals with SAE (n = 18), with vaccination without neurological complications (n = 43), and without vaccination (n = 140). The allele frequencies of HLA-DR9 (DRB1*0901) and HLA-DR17 (DRB1*0301) were increased in SAE patients (DR9 = 22%, DR17 = 14%) compared with vaccinated controls (DR9 = 13%, DR17 = 6%) and with unvaccinated controls (DR9 = 9%, DR17 = 4%). The allele frequency of HLA-DQ7 (DQB1*0301) was decreased in SAE patients (8%) compared with vaccinated controls (15%) and with unvaccinated controls (25%). These susceptibilities are distinct from those associated with multiple sclerosis. The frequencies of TCRBV alleles and haplotypes were similar in SAE patients and vaccinated controls. These data suggest that genetic susceptibility associated with MHC class II alleles may have a role in the pathogenesis of SAE and its mechanism may be different from those involved in multiple sclerosis.

Characterization of human TCR Vbeta gene promoter. Role of the dodecamer motif in promoter activity

During T-lymphocyte development, the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) gene expression is controlled by its promoter and enhancer elements and regulated in tissue- and development stage-specific manner. To uncover the promoter function and to define positive and negative regulatory elements in TCR gene promoters, the promoter activities from 13 human TCR Vbeta genes were determined by the transient transfection system and luciferase reporter assay. Although most of the TCR Vbeta gene promoters that we tested are inactive by themselves, some promoters were found to be constitutively strong. Among them, Vbeta6.7 is the strongest. 5'-Deletion and fragmentation experiments have narrowed the full promoter activity of Vbeta6.7 to a fragment of 147 base pairs immediately 5' to the transcription initiation site. A decanucleotide motif with the consensus sequence AGTGAYRTCA has been found to be conserved in most TCR Vbeta gene promoters. There are three such decamer motifs in the promoter region of Vbeta6.7, and the contribution of each such motif to the promoter activity has been examined. Further site-directed mutagenesis analyses showed that: 1) when two Ts in the decamer were mutated, the promoter activity was totally abolished; 2) when two additional nucleotides 3' to the end of decamer were mutated, the promoter activity was decreased to two-thirds of the full level; and 3) when the element with the sequence AGTGATGTCACT was inserted into other promoters, the original weak promoters become very strong. Taken together, our data suggest that the positive regulatory element in Vbeta6.7 should be considered a dodecamer rather than a decamer and that it confers strong basal transcriptional activity on TCR Vbeta genes.

Immune system genes in multiple sclerosis: genetic association and linkage analyses on TCR beta, IGH, IFN-gamma and IL-1ra/IL-1 beta loci

The role of genetic factors in the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been clearly demonstrated but the loci determining susceptibility to this disease remain largely unidentified. A contribution from several immune system genes has been suggested based on animal models and association/linkage analyses on MS patients and families. With the exception of the findings from the HLA complex, studies on candidate immune system genes have provided controversial results. Here we have performed genetic association and linkage analyses on four chromosomal regions containing immune system genes. A possible role for each of these loci in MS has been previously suggested. In data-sets derived from the Finnish population we found no evidence for contribution of the T-cell receptor beta chain (TCR beta chromosome 7q35), immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH chromosome 14q32), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma chromosome 12q14-q15) or interleukin-1 receptor antagonist/interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ra/IL-1 beta chromosome 2q14-q21) loci in the genetic susceptibility to MS.

TCR binding differs for a bacterial superantigen (SEE) and a viral superantigen (Mtv-9)

Both superantigens (SAG) and many anti-TCR monoclonal antibodies (mAb) have specificity for the V beta region of the TCR encoded by TCRBV genes. For instance the bacterial SAG staphylococcal enterotoxin E (SEE), the retroviral SAG MTV-9 and the mAb OT145 each react with human T cells expressing BV6S7. This BV gene encodes two common alleles. We found that SEE and the mAb preferentially activate T cells expressing BV6S7*1 as opposed to BV6S7*2, but Mtv-9 activates T cells expressing either allele. Thus binding to the TCR differs between the two SAGs. A mutation in the TCR HVR-4 region of BV6S7*1 (G72E), where the two BV6S7 alleles differ, indicated that HVR-4 is a component of the binding site for SEE and for the mAb OT145. BV6S7*2 has a charged E72 which may result in electrostatic repulsion of SEE, as SEE contains a similarly acidic aspartic acid residue at a TCR interaction site (204D).

Allelic variants of human TCR BV17S1 defined by restriction fragment length polymorphism, single strand conformation polymorphism, and amplification refractory mutation system analyses

Several human TCR BV gene subfamilies, including BV3, BV14, and BV17S1, are single member genes but are overutilized among activated CD4+ synovial T cells in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To define the role of these TCR BV genes in the pathogenesis of disease, it is critical to characterize the genomic organization and the allelic variations of these genes. In this study we describe allelic variations of BV17S1 defined by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) analyses. A single nucleotide replacement (C/T) results in an amino acid substitution (F/L) in the leader and distinguishes BV17S1*1 from BV17S1*2. This nucleotide substitution was found to create a BsmAI restriction enzyme recognition site in BV17S1*2. Therefore genotypic analyses can be performed either by the SSCP or RFLP method. The analyses of 75 unrelated individuals show that the frequency for allele BV17S1*1 is 52.7% and for allele BV17S1*2 is 47.3%. Both alleles are functionally expressed and are distributed within CD4+/CD8+ T cell subsets. Another point mutation in the CDR2 region of BV17S1, which results in the amino acid replacement of Gln by His, originally identified form a cDNA clone, has now been confirmed as an allele by ARMS analysis using genomic DNA preparations and designated to as BV17S1*3. Screening of this CDR2 related variant among normal populations indicates that this is a rare allele (1 of 75). Although this variant may be of functional significance, the genotypic analysis and functional studies are difficult due to the low frequency of BV17S1*3. In an attempt to define a correlation between BV17S1 allelic usage and susceptibility to RA, the germline distribution of BV17S1 alleles *1 and *2 has been examined in a small number of RA patients and no skewed usage has been identified.

Synergy between T cell receptor beta gene polymorphism and HLA-DR4 in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the etiologic significance of germline polymorphisms in the T cell receptor beta variable region 6S7 (TCRBV6S7) gene segment and adjacent loci in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Ten TCRB allelic polymorphisms were analyzed from 3 groups of white women: 112 with RA, 72 with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 70 healthy controls. All participants were also HLA typed.

RESULTS

HLA-DR4+ RA patients showed significantly increased frequencies of TCRBV6S7*1, 13S5P*1 (an allelic variant of BV13S5 promoter), and 12S4*2, compared with healthy controls. The combination of DR4 with either BV6S7*1, 13S5P*1, or 12S4*2 conferred greater risk for RA than HLA-DR4 alone. Pairwise analyses showed a high degree of linkage disequilibrium (P = 10(-5)-10(-8)) between these 3 TCRBV loci that span 47 kilobases (kb).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that a TCR gene segment in or linked to this 47-kb region may be involved in genetic susceptibility to RA through an interaction with HLA-DR4.

TCR gene polymorphisms and autoimmune disease

Autoimmunity may result from abnormal regulation within the immune system. As the T cell is the principal regulator of the immune system and its normal function depends on immune recognition or self/non-self discrimination, abnormalities of the idiotypic T-cell receptor (TCR) may be one cause of autoimmune disease. The TCR is a clonally distributed, cell-surface heterodimer which binds peptide antigen when complexed with HLA molecules. In order to recognize the variety of antigens it may possibly encounter, the TCR, by necessity, is a diverse structure. As with immunoglobulin, it is the variable domain of the TCR which interacts with antigen and exhibits the greatest amount of amino acid variability. The underlying genetic basis for this structural diversity is similar to that described for immunoglobulin, with TCR diversity relying on the somatic recombination, in a randomly imprecise manner, of smaller gene segments to form a functional gene. There are a large number of gene segments to choose from (particularly the TCRAV, TCRAJ and TCRBV gene segments) and some of these also exhibit allelic variation. Finally, polymorphisms in non-coding regions of TCR genes, leading to biased recombination or expression, are also beginning to be recognized. All these factors contribute to the polymorphic nature of the TCR, in terms of both structure and repertoire formation. It follows that inherited abnormalities in either coding or regulatory regions of TCR genes may predispose to aberrant T-cell function and autoimmune disease. This review will outline the genomic organization of the TCR genes, the genetic mechanisms responsible for the generation of diversity, and the results of investigations into the association between germline polymorphisms and autoimmune disease.

Human T-cell receptor variable gene segment families

Multiple DNA and protein sequence alignments have been constructed for the human T-cell receptor alpha/delta, beta, and gamma (TCRA/D, B, and G) variable (V) gene segments. The traditional classification into subfamilies was confirmed using a much larger pool of sequences. For each sequence, a name was derived which complies with the standard nomenclature. The traditional numbering of V gene segments in the order of their discovery was continued and changed when in conflict with names of other segments. By discriminating between alleles at the same locus versus genes from different loci, we were able to reduce the number of more than 150 different TCRBV sequences in the database to a repertoire of only 47 functional TCRBV gene segments. An extension of this analysis to the over 100 TCRAV sequences results in a predicted repertoire of 42 functional TCRAV gene segments. Our alignment revealed two residues that distinguish between the highly homologous V delta and V alpha, one at a site that in VH contacts the constant region, the other at the interface between immunoglobulin VH and VL. This site may be responsible for restricted pairing between certain V delta and V gamma chains. On the other hand, V beta and V gamma appear to be related by the fact that their CDR2 length is increased by four residues as compared with that of V alpha/delta peptides.

T cell receptor diversity in alloreactive responses against HLA-B27 (B*2705) is limited by multiple-level restrictions in both alpha and beta chains

The T cell receptors (TCR) in HLA-B27 (B*2705) alloreactivity were analyzed in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) from two individuals. Non-random usage was found in V beta, N+D beta, V alpha, and J alpha, but not in J beta segments or N alpha-regions. V beta segments from homology subgroup 4 were predominant and not associated to a particular donor or fine specificity, suggesting involvement in recognizing the HLA-B27 molecule. In contrast, preferential V alpha usage was associated with particular individuals and fine specificities, indicating distinct V beta and V alpha recruitment and contribution to allorecognition. Recurrent N+D beta motifs and J alpha segments, even from different donors, limited junctional diversity, suggesting that CDR3 usage was determined by the alloantigenic epitope independently of individuals. TCR were selected differently at various levels, as indicated by the following findings. Four clonotypes with similar fine specificity had identical beta and unrelated alpha chains. Similar alpha were associated with unrelated beta chains, and vice versa. CTL using V beta subgroup 4 did not globally show concomitant predominance of other TCR elements. V alpha 7, one of the preferred V alpha segments, was always associated with V beta subgroups other than 4. Sometimes, a TCR showed homology in elements of one chain to a second TCR or group of TCR, and to another in the other chain. These results are best explained by differential selection of TCR elements by different epitopes, providing a key to the inner structure of allospecific TCR repertoires.

Immunoprinting excludes many potential susceptibility genes as predisposing to early onset pauciarticular juvenile chronic arthritis except HLA class II and TNF

DNA profiles (immunoprints) were generated for 120 patients suffering from early onset pauciarticular chronic arthritis (EOPA-JCA) and > 500 healthy controls utilizing highly polymorphic microsatellites in the vicinity of immunorelevant genes. Six T cell receptor (TCR) markers for the CD3D, TCRDVAJ, TEA, TCRBV6S1, BV6S3, BV6S7 and BV13S2 genes were analysed. Furthermore markers for the cell surface molecule CD40L, for cytokine genes (IL-1A, IL-2, IFN-alpha, FGF-alpha, TNF-alpha), the chromosomal region of the IRF2 and the cytokine receptor gene IL5RA were studied as well as two polymorphisms within the promotor region of the TNF-alpha gene. Coding region polymorphisms were evidenced indirectly by repeat length variation or they were predicted from the microsatellite distribution profiles and then confirmed by direct sequence analysis. Statistical evaluations were performed with respect to known predispositions, predominance of females (> 80%) and HLA-DR and -DQ haplotypes. Cell surface molecules (TCR, CD40L, IL5RA) as well as almost all cytokines (IL-1A, IFN alpha, FGFA, IRF2 region) were excluded as predisposing in our JCA panel. The TNF-alpha microsatellite alleles (GT)10-12 contribute considerably to manifestation of the disease, in HLA-DRB1*11(12) individuals (RR = 12.8). The TNF-alpha allele is not found in linkage disequilibrium with HLA-DRB1*11(12) and may be present on either chromosome 6. Thus, a novel susceptibility factor probably within the TNFA/TNFB gene region has been identified via linkage with the TNF-alpha microsatellite allele. Apparently complex compositions of the genetic background rather than single genes provide the precondition for manifestation of the autoimmune disease EOPA-JCA. Immunoprinting unravels the variability of the immunological genome via the semi-directed microsatellite approach efficiently.

PCR-based genotyping and haplotype analysis of human TCRBV gene segment polymorphisms

There are at least 63 tandemly arranged human T-cell receptor (Tcr) beta-chain variable region (BV) gene segments, which have presumably arisen by repeated gene duplication events. The 5'-most half of the TCRBV gene loci is particularly complex in organization due to the presence of multiple interspersed members of the largest BV subfamilies, BV5, BV6, and BV13. Polymorphism and linkage relationships among these genes has been poorly characterized in part due to the high similarity of these duplicands. Germline DNA polymorphisms were specifically examined in the exons and introns of these and other BV gene segments distributed across 240 kilobases (kb) in this 5'-most region. Polymerase chain reaction restriction enzyme-based assays were used to genotype ten point mutations in seven of the BV gene segments. Eight of these polymorphisms altered an amino acid of the BV gene segment. In addition, length polymorphisms due to simple sequence repeats were noted in the introns of six BV6 subfamily members. Approximately 250 unrelated haplotypes were constructed by segregation analyses of fifteen of these TCRBV polymorphisms. Linkage disequilibrium analyses indicated that haplotypic relationships are not detectable over a distance of more than 55 kb in this genomic region. These TCRBV polymorphisms, and the haplotypic analysis, provide important resources and guidance for future attempts to associate Tcr germline DNA differences in the human population with immune response differences, such as might occur in some autoimmune diseases.

Environmental and genetic factors shape the human T-cell receptor repertoire

Both environmental and genetic factors combine to shape the TCR repertoire as measured by V gene usage. These factors may result in dramatic shifts in normal subjects, which cannot be discounted when studies are performed in patients with disease. Future studies need to explore further examples of genetic and environmental factors that shape the TCR repertoire to understand the full extent of variation in a normal population and the mechanisms involved. Some of these mechanisms may also apply to TCRG, TCRD, and immunoglobulin loci. Certainly variations in the efficiency of V(D)J rearrangement could affect any rearranging multigene locus. Eventually such studies will lead to better designed clinical studies of the repertoire in disease, through the selection of control populations matched for environmental exposure and genetic background. In this respect, family studies will be most useful.

Identification of the epitope recognized by the human V beta 5-specific monoclonal antibody 42/1C1. Potential implications for disease therapy

A panel of T-cell clones was generated that was specific for amino acid residues 4-13 of the mycobacterial 65-kd stress protein. All the clones were found to express a member of the V beta 5 family, as defined by PCR. However, the clones could be differentiated on the basis of different staining characteristics with the mAb 42/1C1. This antibody is known to recognize both V beta 5.2 and V beta 5.3, as was the PCR primer pair used in the analysis. Sequencing of the TCRs revealed that those clones which were not stained by 42/1C1 expressed a previously unidentified member of the V beta 5 family. By comparing the sequences of the V beta 5 family members that are recognized by 42/1C1 with those that are not, we were able to identify a probable epitope for the antibody. It is also clear from our data that the TCRs of T cells recognizing identical MHC-peptide combinations, although very similar, may be differentiated by mAbs, thereby posing potential problems in any proposed disease therapy involving treatment with monoclonals.

The T-cell receptor V beta 6 gene usage in alloreactive T-cell responses

To analyze the role of TCR V beta gene elements in allorecognition, we have determined frequencies of the TCR V beta 6 elements expressed by allospecific T cells as compared to randomly activated T cells. Limiting dilution analysis was applied to estimate the usage of TCR V beta elements in CD4+ T cells polyclonally stimulated by immobilized anti-CD3 or specifically activated with HLA-DR disparate allotargets. In a focused alloresponse of HLA-DRB1*0401+ responders to HLA-DRB1*0404+ stimulator cells, V beta 6+ T cells were preferentially recruited. To map the functional domain of allogeneic HLA-DR molecules involved in the recruitment of V beta 6+ T-cell specificities, CD4+ T cells from HLA-DRB1*0401+ donors were activated with allogeneic stimulators sharing either the first and second or the third HVR of the HLA-DRB1 gene. Stimulation with allotargets sharing the sequence of the HVR3 caused a twofold to fourfold enrichment of V beta 6+ CD4+ T cells, while sequence variations in the HVR3 was sufficient to abrogate the preferential usage of V beta 6+ T cells. These data suggest that sequence variations mapped to the alpha-helical loop of the HLA-DR beta chain impose structural constraints that shape the alloreactive TCR V beta repertoire.

Immunoprinting: various genes are associated with increased risk to develop rheumatoid arthritis in different groups of adult patients

To identify genes that contribute to the manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis we performed association studies via microsatellite analyses of immunorelevant loci (HLA-DRB, 5 T cell receptor loci, TNFa IL1, IL2, IL5R and CD40L). A total of 183 patients and 275 healthy controls were typed in terms of HLA and grouped according to the known predisposing HLA-DRB1 genes (DRB1*04; relative risk approx. 5; DRB1*01, relative risk approx. 2; a third group carried neither allele). Microsatellite polymorphisms characterizing the TCRBV6S3, CD3D, IL1A, IL2, and IL5R genes did not show significant associations with rheumatoid arthritis, whereas TCRBV6S1, TCRBV6S7, TNFa, and CD40L genes may influence relative protection or risk in certain groups of patients. Analysis of a microsatellite marker adjacent to the transcription element alpha (TEA) in the T cell receptor alpha delta complex indicates that in the cohort carrying neither the DRB1*04 nor the DRB1*01 allele the relative risk to acquire rheumatoid arthritis is increased (> 13) or decreased (< 0.07), depending on the inherited microsatellite allele adjacent to the TEA locus. Sequence analysis of the closely linked TEA region from patients and controls revealed a novel dimorphism. Only the newly identified TEA allele leads to binding of a nuclear protein that may be involved in the regulated expression of the TCRDA genes. Subsequent typing of rheumatoid arthritis patients and controls revealed, however, that the association of the microsatellite marker is largely independent of the TEA allele, confirming incomplete linkage in the 2 kb region of the TCRDA locus. These results are discussed in the context of hot spots of recombination in this genomic region and other linked candidate sequences that predispose to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

Relative size and evolution of the germline repertoire of T-cell receptor beta-chain gene segments in nonhuman primates

The mammalian T-cell receptor (TCR) gene complexes exist as multiple tandemly arrayed gene segments that have apparently arisen by gene duplication mechanisms. A study of the number of TCR germline gene segments in several primate species might provide insight into the relative rate and patterns of gene duplication and deletion within these gene complexes. DNA probes from the TCR beta-chain variable (TCRBV) region gene segment subfamilies 1 through 25 and the constant region gene segment were sequentially hybridized under low stringency to Southern blots containing genomic DNA of human, gorilla, orangutan, and pig-tailed macaque. The number of gene members in each subfamily was estimated from the number of hybridizing DNA fragments. The results show apparent examples of both TCRB V gene duplication and deletion since speciation of the Hominoids from Cercopithecoid (Old World) primates. For one putative duplication/deletion event involving six TCRBV gene segments, derivation and comparison of germline DNA sequence from macaque and human as well as Southern blot analysis of additional primates demonstrated that this event was a duplication that occurred after the divergence of the family Pongidae (Greater Apes) from Hylobatidae (Lesser Apes). Southern blot analysis of multiple pig-tailed macaques and their offspring suggests a degree of DNA sequence variability in these gene segments similar to that observed in humans. An appreciation of the size and variability of each TCRBV subfamily will be useful when considering the DNA primers and probes necessary to measure the relative usage of these TCRBV genes as part of the immune response in these nonhuman primates.

Identification of a novel human T-cell receptor V beta subfamily by genomic cloning

Although a large number of human TCRBV gene segment sequences have been reported, the extent of the germline repertoire is still not precisely known. Most TCRBV gene segments have been identified in cDNA clones. However, genes expressed on only a small number of peripheral T cells may be more easily detectable by analysis of genomic DNA. In the present study, screening of cosmid clones containing the BV24S1 gene segment revealed the presence of a novel TCRBV gene segment defining a new subfamily, BV25S1. The nucleotide sequence of the gene contained a single open reading frame and encoded structurally important amino acids at correct positions. Southern blot analysis indicated that the BV25 subfamily contained only this single member. A single nucleotide polymorphism was identified by nucleotide sequencing of the gene from multiple individuals. Amplification of rearranged BV25S1 genes from cDNA derived from PBLs confirmed that the BV25S1 gene segment was capable of normal rearrangement and transcription.

Genetic control of the human V beta 13.2 T cell repertoire: importance of allelic variation outside the coding regions of the TCRBV13S2 gene

In humans, the T cell repertoire is influenced by HLA, T cell receptor null alleles and antigen. Here, we describe a novel mechanism, independent of superantigen or T cell receptor structure which influences the T cell repertoire in a V beta-dependent manner. We have identified a biallelic locus, the TCRBV13S2 T cell receptor gene, where allelic differences predominate in the non-coding regions including transitions, transversions and frameshift deletions. The expressed protein is non-polymorphic at this locus. The TCRBV13S2 genotype profoundly influences the circulating levels of V beta 13.2 CD4 T cells but does not affect T cell receptor expression or function.

Increased frequency of V beta 17-positive T cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To identify the T lymphocytes that mediate disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

A panel of monoclonal antibodies reactive with T cell receptor (TCR) V beta gene products was used to analyze the RA T cell repertoire.

RESULTS

Of 5 TCR V beta gene products studied, only V beta 17-positive T cells were increased in peripheral blood and synovial fluid (SF) from RA patients, compared with controls (P < 0.01 and P = 0.0006, respectively). Thirty-one percent of the 49 RA SF samples and none of the 19 non-RA SF samples contained > 10% V beta 17-positive T cells. Activated (Tac-positive) T cells were enriched among V beta 17-positive synovial T cells.

CONCLUSION

The selective increase of V beta 17-positive T cells suggests a role for those T cells in the pathogenesis of RA.

A genetically determined insertion/deletion related polymorphism in human T cell receptor beta chain (TCRB) includes functional variable gene segments

Polymorphism in the human T cell receptor beta chain (TCRB) gene complex includes haplotypes with different numbers of TCRBV genes. An insertion/deletion related polymorphism (IDRP) in the human TCRBV region was found to involve TCRBV gene segments. Inserted TCRB haplotypes contain an additional 21.5 kb in which three TCRBV genes are encoded, members of the TCRBV7, TCRBV9, and TCRBV13 families. Two TCRBV gene segments were present only in inserted haplotypes; one of these, TCRBV7S3, is a functional gene and the other, TCRBV9S2(P), is a pseudogene because of an inframe termination colon. In addition, inserted haplotypes contain two identical copies of the TCRBV13S2 gene, whereas deleted haplotypes have only one copy. Deleted haplotypes could be subdivided into two types, deleted*1 and deleted*2, on the basis of sequence variations in TCRBV6S7 and TCRBV13S2 genes. Both deleted*1 and deleted*2 haplotypes contained the same number of TCRBV genes; both contain 60 genes of which 50 are functional, whereas, inserted haplotypes contained 63 genes of which 52 are functional. Comparisons of inserted region sequences with the homologous region in a deleted haplotype, and with sequences surrounding related TCRBV genes, revealed patterns of similarity that suggest insertion as well as deletion events have occurred in the evolution of the TCRBV gene complex. These data indicate that the genomic TCR repertoire is expanded in individuals who have inserted TCRBV haplotypes. The presence of additional TCRBV genes or, alternatively, the absence of certain TCRBV genes may have an impact upon immune responses and susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

Selected di- and tetranucleotide microsatellites from chromosomes 7, 12, 14, and Y in various Eurasian populations

Microsatellite polymorphisms of nine Eurasian populations (> 1200 chromosomes) were analyzed for the following loci: i) intronic (gt)n stretches of three T cell receptor (TCR) B loci on chromosome 7 (TCRBV6S1, TCRBV6S3, TCRBV6S7); ii) an intergenic (gt)n repeat in the region between the TCRDV3 and TCRAJ61 elements on chromosome 14; iii) two tetranucleotide simple repeats (D12S66, D12S67), not linked to known genes on chromosome 12; iv) a Y-chromosomal (gata)n polymorphism (DYS19). In general, allele frequencies and heterozygosity rates were similar, but specific alleles were missing in one or more populations. Distinct DYS19 alleles predominated in particular cohorts. Different allele frequencies were observed for the TCR loci in European and Asian populations. Tetranucleotide polymorphisms were distributed normally, whereas TCR alleles displayed bimodal frequency profiles. For TCRBV6S1 and TCRBV6S7, this profile reflects a diallelic protein polymorphism that correlates exactly with the length of the intronic repeats.

Genetic analysis of low V beta 3 expression in humans

While studying the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire of normal individuals, we found that more than 20% of adults have low levels of circulating V beta 3.1+ T cells in both CD4 and CD8 populations. A similar frequency was found in fetal cord blood samples, suggesting that in most cases, the V beta 3.1low phenotype is inherited. In support of this conclusion, children expressing low levels were only found in families where one of the parents expressed this phenotype. In two large families, genetic studies showed that low expression was a recessive trait and dependent on inheritance of particular TCR VB gene complexes. Family members with the low phenotype, however, expressed VB3.1 genes with normal sequences and expressed normal levels of receptor per cell. Results from these families suggest that up to 50% of normal individuals may carry a VB3.1 allele that is defective in its ability to rearrange effectively. In another large family, low expression in one individual was shown not to be determined by genes within the TCR VB gene or major histocompatibility complexes, suggesting a different mechanism for low V beta 3.1+ T cells. Overall, our results describe novel mechanisms that result in low levels of V beta 3.1+ T cells in a relatively large subset of the normal human population.

Level of human TCRBV3S1 (V beta 3) expression correlates with allelic polymorphism in the spacer region of the recombination signal sequence

One of the causes of variations in the expressed human T cell receptor (TCR) BV (V beta) repertoire is genetic variation in the germline DNA. Herein evidence is provided that allelic polymorphism may affect recombination frequency for a specific V gene. Two alleles of the TCR BV3 differ only at a single nucleotide position (C/T) within the 23-bp spacer region of the recombination signal sequence. These alleles are associated with variable percentages of BV3 cells in the peripheral blood, as shown in families and in unrelated normal donors. Individuals homozygous for allele 2 have a mean of 8.1% BV3 cells, heterozygous individuals have a mean of 4.7% BV3 cells, and homozygotes for allele 1 have a mean of 1.2% BV3 cells in CD3+ CD4+ peripheral blood T cells. Since the correlation is tight in unrelated individuals and other genetic differences were not found in the vicinity of BV3, we suggest that the spacer region sequence itself modifies recombination efficiency. This allelic system provides an example of a novel mechanism by which cis-acting genetic elements may affect recombination in a natural in vivo system.

Frequent recombination in the human T-cell receptor beta gene complex

Although individual TCRVBV gene segments exhibit limited polymorphism, human T-cell receptor beta (TCRB) haplotypes are characterized by multiple different combinations of allelic markers. This observation suggests that genetic recombination may have played a role in the generation of these haplotypes. Meiotic recombination in a region spanning approximately 250 kilobases (kb) at the 3' end of the TCRB gene complex was investigated by extended family studies and by analysis of single sperm. Segregation patterns of polymorphic TCRB markers in families allowed the assignment of TCRB alleles to parental haplotypes and detection of recombinants among the offspring. Among the 178 informative paternal meioses, four (approximately 2%) were recombinant, whereas no recombinants were found in the 199 maternal meioses. In addition, segregation of two allelic markers was examined in a total of 1101 individual sperm from two heterozygous donors to detect exchange events in this region. The results revealed a similar rate of recombination, approximately 1.3%, which, along with the family data, suggests that at, least in males, meiotic recombination in this 250 kb region may be six times higher than the "average" rate of 1% per 10(6) bases that has been estimated for the human genome.

Clonal populations of T cells in normal elderly humans: the T cell equivalent to "benign monoclonal gammapathy"

To determine whether T cells, like B cells, can become clonally expanded in normal individuals as a function of age, we compared the T cell V beta repertoire of cord blood to that of peripheral blood from normal donors over 65 yr of age. T cells from elderly subjects contained expanded subsets (greater than the mean+three standard deviations) of T cell receptor (TCR) V beta populations. These expanded subsets were observed primarily among CD8, but not CD4 cells, represented up to 37.5% of all CD8 cells, and were present in most elderly subjects. An expanded V beta 5.2/3 CD8 subset and a V beta 6.7a CD8 subset from separate donors were analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, cloning and sequencing of the TCR beta chain VDJ junction. In both cases the expanded subsets were mono- or oligoclonal while control CD4 populations were polyclonal. Using two-color flow cytometry it was possible to identify the expanded V beta 6.7a subset as CD8+ CD28-CD11b+ cells. In three of five random old subjects similar expansions of V beta subsets were found specifically in the CD8+ CD28- subpopulation, an interesting subset of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, known to lack proliferative responses to TCR stimuli. It is common practice to use the demonstration of clonality as a diagnostic indicator for T cell lymphoma/leukemia. In view of the high frequency of expanded T clones of T cells in normal elderly subjects the diagnostic usefulness of this test should be reexamined.

Polymorphism detection and sequence analysis of human T-cell receptor V alpha-chain-encoding gene segments

The T-cell receptor (Tcr) provides specificity for antigen recognition by its variable domain, primarily consisting of two germline encoded variable (V) region gene segments. Thus it has been suggested that inherited polymorphisms in the TCRV gene segments could contribute to differential immune responsiveness (e.g., autoimmunity) in human populations. In the present study, we have sought potentially functional polymorphisms in the germline TCRAV gene segments. Using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis on polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified products from the pooled DNA of many individuals, we identified polymorphisms in the TCRAV2S1, AV4S1, AV7S1, and AV8S1 gene segments. A complete DNA sequence analysis of these PCR products identified polymorphisms that affected amino acids in the predicted antigen-binding regions of the Tcr alpha chain, as well as polymorphisms in the introns. Genotype analysis of all nine DNA point mutations showed a 5%-50% range (averaging 35%) of minor allele frequencies, often resulting in individuals homozygous for the alternate allele forms. All possible haplotype combinations of the amino acid-affecting polymorphisms were found, indicating that in human populations there are a large number of different germline haplotypes encoding V gene segment alleles. These TCRAV coding region polymorphisms provide the rationale for, and allow the direct testing of, hypotheses concerning inherited polymorphisms within the T-cell receptor genes that may contribute to autoimmune susceptibility.

The extent of the human germline T-cell receptor V beta gene segment repertoire

An assessment of the size of the human TCRBV gene segment repertoire based on the identification of TCRBV gene segments in genomic DNA was undertaken. PCR amplification from cloned and uncloned genomic DNA sources, nucleotide sequencing, Southern blot hybridization, and cosmid cloning were used to identify TCRBV gene segments in multiple unrelated individuals. The key advantages to this approach were: 1) TCRBV gene segments which are expressed only at very low levels in cDNA libraries were still detectable, and 2) it was possible to discriminate between alleles at the same locus vs products of different loci. A total of 63 unique TCRBV gene segments were identified and sequenced. Six of these TCRBV gene segments had not been previously described. Thirty-four cosmid clones containing 51 of the 63 identified TCRBV gene segments were isolated and screened for the presence of additional novel TCRBV subfamily members. These results, obtained by a variety of complementary approaches, indicate that the human TCRBV germline repertoire encodes at least 63 TCRBV gene segments of which 52 are functional. The availability of the majority of these TCRBV gene segments on cosmid clones should facilitate further investigation of germline TCRBV gene segment polymorphism and putative disease associations.

Human T-cell responses to Mycoplasma arthritidis-derived superantigen

When injected into mice, Mycoplasma arthritidis causes a chronic arthritis that resembles rheumatoid arthritis, histologically. The organism produces a superantigen termed Mycoplasma arthritidis mitogen or MAM, that in humans preferentially expands T cells whose antigen receptors express V beta 17. T cells with this phenotype appear to be increased in rheumatoid synovial effusions. We describe a novel approach to isolating and characterizing human MAM-reactive T-cell lines and determining their T-cell receptor (TCR) V beta usage. Lines were prepared from T cells that clustered with dendritic cells during a 2-day exposure to MAM. Cluster and noncluster fractions of T cells were then expanded by using feeder cells and a polyclonal mitogen. Most of the MAM reactivity was found in dendritic T-cell clusters, as were most of the T cells expressing TCR V beta 17. After expansion, 76% of the cluster-derived T-cell lines were MAM reactive, while no reactivity was seen in cell lines derived from the noncluster fraction. Of the MAM-reactive lines, 49% expressed V beta 17 on some or all of the cells. Cell lines from both cluster and noncluster fractions were analyzed for TCR V beta mRNA expression by PCR amplification. Other V beta genes (5.1, 7, 8, 12, and 20) were found to be expressed by lines that were MAM reactive, although these were not a major component of the cluster-derived T cells. Some non-cluster-derived lines expressed V beta s 17, 12, and 7, but these proved to be nonreactive to MAM. Therefore, dendritic cells can be used to immunoselect and characterize T cells that express superantigen-reactive TCRs.

Biased T cell receptor V gene usage in rheumatoid arthritis. Oligoclonal expansion of T cells expressing V alpha 2 genes in synovial fluid but not in peripheral blood

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the T cell receptor (TCR) variable (V) region gene usage in the rheumatoid joint.

METHODS

Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) were used to determine the prevalence of selected V elements on T cells in synovial fluid (SF) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and in peripheral blood (PB) from RA patients and normal controls. V alpha 2-positive PB and SF T cells from 1 patient were cloned by immediate limiting-dilution and analyzed by restriction mapping.

RESULTS

In 9 of 14 RA patients, SF was enriched in at least 1 of the selected V elements, compared with PB. TCR genes of the V alpha 2 family were the most frequently overrepresented in the SF (4 patients). The expanded V alpha 2-positive cells were oligoclonal in SF but heterogeneic in PB.

CONCLUSION

Our data showing biased and clonally restricted TCR elements in the rheumatoid joint indicate major histocompatibility complex-restricted antigen recognition, rather than a "superantigen," in the pathogenesis of RA.

In vivo clonal dominance and limited T-cell receptor usage in human CD4+ T-cell recognition of house dust mite allergens

Sensitivity to house dust mite antigens in atopic individuals is a major cause of allergic diseases, ranging from asthma to rhinitis and dermatitis. We have studied the T-cell receptor (TCR) usage of house-dust-mite-specific CD4+ T-cell clones isolated from an atopic individual, by using the anchored polymerase chain reaction, and have analyzed the peripheral TCR repertoire of the same individual. Several T-cell clones had identified TCRs at the sequence level, despite the fact that they had been independently isolated, in some cases, in different years. These data suggest the presence in vivo of long-lived T-cell clones. We have also shown that junctional sequences identical to these clones are present in peripheral blood T cells taken 6 years after the isolation of the T-cell clones. The analysis of TCR genes used by the panel of clones reveals oligoclonality, with the variable (V) region gene segments V alpha 8 and V beta 3 being dominant, although there is minimal conservation of junctional sequences. The results have implications for understanding the TCR recognition of an environmental aeroallergen and the life span of T-cell clones in vivo during a chronic immune response.

Systematic study of human alpha beta T cell receptor V segments shows allelic variations resulting in a large number of distinct T cell receptor haplotypes

The variation of the alpha beta T cell receptor (TCR) results mainly from rearrangements of germ-line V, D and J elements combined with the processes of N- and P-region addition. In addition to this extensive diversity, diallelic polymorphism is also recognized in V regions of beta loci. Four such polymorphisms have previously been defined, but the full extent of such variation has not yet been established. To investigate allelic polymorphism, we used a strategy based V locus-specific polymerase chain reaction and single-strand conformation polymorphisms. Studying the two V beta 2 loci and the V alpha 8.1 locus, we found that all exhibited a coding polymorphism. One of the V beta 2 loci proved to be the first multiallele segment to be recognized, with three common variants. The second V beta 2 locus, for which none of the two alleles has been identified in cDNA, appeared in fact to be a V beta orphon, in abnormal location on the chromosome 9. A yeast artificial chromosome containing part of the TCRB locus allowed us to place the first V beta 2 segment on the known map to define haplotypes with two other polymorphic segments: V beta 1 and V beta 6.7. Multiple distinct haplotypes result from combinations between these polymorphic loci, showing that V beta regions are highly variable between individuals. Two alleles exist at the V alpha 8.1 segment and both are expressed. This represents the first example of a frequent coding polymorphism for TCRA gene. The distribution of allele frequencies for these segments suggest the action of balancing selection. These data add a further dimension to TCR polymorphism and suggest new candidates to explore TCR-encoded susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

Human T cells respond to mouse mammary tumor virus-encoded superantigen: V beta restriction and conserved evolutionary features

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-encoded superantigens (SAGs) influence the murine T cell repertoire and stimulate a strong mixed lymphocyte response in vitro. These SAGs are encoded by the open reading frame of the 3' long terminal repeat of MMTV, termed MMTV SAGs. The T cell response to MMTV SAGs is V beta restricted and requires expression of the class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the presenting cells. While human T cells respond to bacterial SAGs, it is not known if human T cells or human MHC class II molecules can interact with MMTV SAGs. A fibroblastic cell line expressing the human MHC class II molecule HLA-DR1 and the Mtv-7 sag gene encoding Mls-1 was used to stimulate human T cells. We show here that human T cells efficiently proliferate in response to Mls-1 presented by HLA-DR1. This T cell response was inhibited by mAbs directed against CD4 or MHC class II molecules but not by mAbs specific for CD8 or MHC class I molecules. Moreover, the response to Mls-1 was limited to human T cells expressing a restricted set of T cell receptor V beta chains. Human T cells expressing V beta 12, 13, 14, 15, and 23 were selectively amplified after Mtv-7 sag stimulation. Interestingly, these human V beta s share the highest degree of homology with the mouse V beta s interacting with Mls-1. These results show a strong evolutionary conservation of the structures required for the presentation and the response to retrovirally encoded endogenous SAGs, raising the possibility that similar elements operate in humans to shape the T cell repertoire.

Expression of T-cell receptor alpha and beta variable genes in normal and malignant human T cells

A PCR method was developed to analyse each of 29 families of the T cell receptor V alpha gene and 20 families of the V beta gene at the mRNA level in heterogenous cell populations. All V alpha and V beta families were detectable in blood mononuclear cells from four of six healthy donors. In two donors only V alpha 22 was missing, and all other V alpha and V beta families were detected. V beta family expression was observed in T-leukaemic cell lines Jurkat, HSB, Molt-3 and Molt-4. In contrast, V alpha family expression was not detectable in any cell line except Jurkat cells. In T-cell malignancies (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and mycosis fungoides), one or two V alpha and V beta families were detectable. Four of 10 cases investigated showed two V alpha transcripts and one V beta transcript. This fits with concepts in literature that allelic exclusion for the genes encoding alpha chains is not strictly required in the DNA rearrangement, or that this exclusion is a post-translational event. Using a limited series of antibodies to V beta gene family products, blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors were analysed by flow cytometry in a follow-up study. Two of four donors were rather stable in proportions of T cells expressing distinct V beta families, and two other donors showed variation in one or more families. When analysed on frozen tissue sections of normal lymph node and tonsil, there was no preferential location of lymphocytes expressing a distinct V beta gene family in different compartments (interfollicular area, follicle, or tonsillar epithelium).

Polymorphism and phylogeny of dinucleotide repeats in human T-cell receptor Vb6 genes

The Vb6 subfamily is the largest reported subfamily of human T-cell receptor (Tcr) genes, with as many as 14 possible members based on variation in reported DNA sequences. A study of the genomic organization of four distinct Vb6 genes indicated that they contained within their introns the uninterrupted dinucleotide repeat (GT)n, with n > 8. DNA amplification primers and conditions were determined which amplified the intron of these four different Vb6 gene segments. All four Vb6 genes tested showed length polymorphism when examined in a group of unrelated individuals. Careful sizing and DNA sequencing showed that the alleles of each gene differed in size by multiples of two base pairs (bp), due to different repeat numbers of the dinucleotide (GT)n. These four microsatellite polymorphisms had from three to ten alleles, and individual heterozygosities of 26% to 83%. The large number of alleles and the high heterozygosity make these polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based polymorphisms very attractive genetic markers for segregation studies which postulate the presence of autoimmune susceptibility genes within the Tcrb region. Vb6 hybridization to genomic DNA confirmed the relatively large size of the Vb6 subfamily in several hominoid species. Nucleotide sequencing of an intron of the Vb6 genes from other primates revealed the presence of dinucleotide repeats similar to those found in human Vb6 genes. Thus, the (GT)n microsatellite was not only present in the Vb6 intron before Vb6 gene duplication, but was present before speciation of the hominoids.

Expression of the identical V beta gene in human T-cell clones does not confer the same pattern of responsiveness to bacterial enterotoxins

Superantigens are the most potent T-cell mitogens so far described, and are believed to activate virtually all the T lymphocytes bearing the appropriate V beta segment in their T-cell receptor (TcR). In order to determine whether the expression of the identical V beta gene confers the same pattern of responsiveness to bacterial superantigens, we have established a panel of 20 untransformed human T-cell clones expressing the V beta 6.7a gene in their TcR. The V beta usage was defined by immunostaining, using the V beta 6.7a-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) OT145, and confirmed by DNA sequencing of the beta-chain. Although all the clones analysed expressed the same V beta gene, they had disparate patterns of proliferation to challenge with a panel of bacterial enterotoxins. This study demonstrates that the mere expression of the same V beta region by T lymphocytes does not grant an indistinguishable responsiveness to bacterial superantigens. Thus other, as yet undefined, T-lymphocyte components play a key role in the process of T-cell activation induced by bacterial superantigens, influencing the effects mediated by exogenous superantigens on human T cells.

Identification and physical mapping of a polymorphic human T cell receptor V beta gene with a frequent null allele

Germline variation in genes that encode the human T cell receptors (TCRs) may have an important influence in shaping the immune T cell repertoire. In this report we describe a frequent null allele of the human V beta 18 gene, resulting from a nucleotide substitution that creates a stop codon (CGA<-->TGA). Approximately 11% of the population tested was homozygous for this null allele, indicating that this is a frequent "hole in the repertoire." We confirmed that there is a greatly reduced (undetectable) level of V beta 18 mRNA in peripheral blood lymphocytes from an individual homozygous for this null allele. In addition, all heterozygous individuals expressed detectable levels of only the functional V beta 18 allele in their peripheral blood lymphocytes. Two other DNA polymorphisms were identified in V beta 18, one of which would result in an amino acid substitution in an expressed V beta 18 gene. Genotypes for all three of these V beta 18 DNA polymorphisms were determined in a group of unrelated individuals. Statistical analyses of the associations between alleles of the V beta 18 polymorphisms and those of other DNA polymorphisms in the TCR beta locus suggested a close physical proximity between the V beta 18 gene and the 3' end of the C beta 2 region. This localization of human V beta 18 had been previously predicted by the sequence homology between human V beta 18 and mouse V beta 14, a V gene segment previously mapped to 3' of the mouse C beta genes. We confirmed this localization of the human V beta 18 gene by isolating a cosmid clone that contains both the V beta 18 and C beta 2 segments. Mapping by restriction enzyme digestion and by the polymerase chain reaction indicated that the V beta 18 gene segment is approximately 9 kb 3' of the C beta 2 gene, making this the only known human V beta gene 3' of the C beta region.

Towards covering immunological genes with highly informative markers: a trans-species approach

To establish a highly informative screening system for immunologically relevant genes ("immunoprinting") we co-amplified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) polymorphic exons plus adjacent intronic simple repetitive dinucleotide stretches in the T-cell receptor (Tcr) Vb6 and Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)-DRB loci in man and several ungulate species. In both gene families the basic structure of the simple repeat was found to be preserved for more than 70 x 10(6) years in all investigated species. The simple repeats exhibit extensive length variability. Distinct exon sequences are correlated with a defined repeat length and substructure. In addition, PCR and the oligonucleotides for typing were applicable to a broad range of species from different mammalian orders. Multiplex PCR of different members of the Tcr Vb6 family and MHC-DRB resulted in a complex pattern similar to an oligolocus fingerprint. Hence immunoprinting can be employed for searching for associations of immunologically relevant genes with diseases even across species barriers.

Novel members and germline polymorphisms in the human T-cell receptor Vb6 family

The human T-cell receptor (Tcr) Vb6 family has been scrutinized for polymorphisms, both in coding as well as in intronic sequences by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), subsequent multiple electroblot hybridizations, and sequence analysis. Multiplex PCR is an efficient means of screening for Tcr variability. Four novel loci could be distinguished and several new alleles are described including two pseudogenes. The Vb6 family is characterized by an intronic stretch of simple repetitive (gt)n sequences. These elements are hypervariable, especially in the Vb6.7 subfamily, where they are particularly long. The unexpected persistence of simple repetitive sequences in Tcr and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes over extended periods of the vertebrate evolutionary history can be interpreted in parallel terms in both gene families.

Human Tcrb-V6.10 is a pseudogene with Alu repetitive sequences in the promoter region

Tcrb-V6.10 represents an abnormal human V gene with an Alu insertion in the promoter, a point mutation of a conserved Cys at position 23, and a missing nonamer within the usually conserved recombinase signal sequence. Here it is shown that b-V6.10 is found in the genome of most individuals, is normally located in the Tcrb-V locus on chromosome 7, but is not rearranged or transcribed. Thus, it is likely that the abnormal signal sequence precludes recombination and that the Alu insertion results in a disabled promoter, indicating the functional importance of the affected regions. Tcrb-V6.10 probably evolved by duplication of an ancestral Tcrb V13-V6-V5 cassette, like other members of the large b-V6 subfamily, and more recently became inactivated into a pseudogene.