The structure, rearrangement and expression of D beta gene segments of the murine T-cell antigen receptor
Siu, G.; Kronenberg, M.; Strauss, E.; Haars, R.; Mak, T.W.; Hood, L.
Nature 311(5984): 344-350
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-0836 PMID: 6090932 Document Number: 221989
It has been postulated that the variable region of the beta-polypeptide of the murine T-cell antigen receptor is encoded by three distinct germ-line gene segments--variable (V beta), diversity (D beta) and joining (J beta)--that are rearranged to generate a V beta gene. Germ-line V beta and J beta gene segments have been isolated previously. Here we report the isolation and characterization of two germ-line D beta gene segments that have recognition signals for DNA rearrangement strikingly similar to those found in the three immunoglobulin gene families and in V beta and J beta gene segments. The D beta and J beta segments can join in the absence of V beta gene segment rearrangement and these rearranged sequences are transcribed in some T cells.