Normal T cell development is possible without 'functional' gamma chain genes
Traunecker, A.; Oliveri, F.; Allen, N.; Karjalainen, K.
EMBO Journal 5(7): 1589-1593
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0261-4189 PMID: 3017705 Document Number: 284950
The T cell-specific .gamma. gene family is organized into four V, J and C gene segments containing clusters (.gamma.1, .gamma.2, .gamma.3, .gamma.4) in germline DNA. We found that the V, J and C elements of .gamma.2 are physically linked on a stretch of 6 kb of DNA while those of .gamma.3 are found within a 15-kb region. Rearrangements take place only within the clusters, explaining the rigid rearrangement patterns seen in T lymphocytes. New V.gamma., J.gamma. and C.gamma. gene segments were discovered and characterized allowing the better understanding of the potential germline diversity of the .gamma. gene family. No correlation with T cell function, i.e. cytolytic or helper, and the type of the productive .gamma. rearrangement could be established. In contrast we found that functional T cell clones have been able to mature without any functional .gamma. chain genes.