The structure, rearrangement and expression of D<inf>β</inf> gene segments of the murine T-cell antigen receptor

Abstract

It has been postulated that the variable region of the β-polypeptide of the murine T-cell antigen receptor is encoded by three distinct germ-line gene segments - variable (Vβ), diversity (Dβ) and joining (Jβ) - that are rearranged to generate a V β gene. Germ-line Vβ and Jβ gene segments have been isolated previously. Here we report the isolation and characterization of two germ-line Dβ gene segments that have recognition signals for DNA rearrangement strikingly similar to those found in the three immunoglobulin gene families and in Vβ and J β gene segments. The Dβ and Jβ segments can join in the absence of Vβ gene segment rearrangement and these rearranged sequences are transcribed in some T cells. © 1984 Nature Publishing Group.