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. 1988 Dec 9;16(23):11355–11364. doi: 10.1093/nar/16.23.11355

The structure of V alpha and J alpha segments in the mouse.

J Yague 1, M Blackman 1, W Born 1, P Marrack 1, J Kappler 1, E Palmer 1
PMCID: PMC339015  PMID: 2849763

Abstract

Antigen receptors on most T-cells are heterodimeric glycoproteins, comprised of an alpha chain and a beta chain. These chains are encoded by discontiguous variable (V), diversity (D) and joining (J) gene segments that rearrange to produce a contiguous and functional alpha or beta chain gene. To investigate the size and diversity of the germline repertoire of alpha-chain gene segments, we have characterized and sequenced 20 alpha chain cDNAs. Among these cDNA clones, we have found 4 J alpha and 4 V alpha sequences that have not yet been described. The relationship of these "new" gene segments to those already characterized is discussed.

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Selected References

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