Polymorphism of the human T cell receptor α chain variable genes: Identification of a highly polymorphic V gene probe

Abstract

In this study, we report the RFLP of the human T cell receptor (TCR)α chain variable gene segments. Using DNA samples from 20 individuals and three restriction endonucieases (BamHI, EcoRI and HindIII), the degree of RFLP of a number of different V gene segments was defined. Half of the Vα, subfamliles (6/12) were characterized by a predominant hybridization pattern, with only a few Individuals displaying a second pattern. However, one particular V gene family, Vα6, has at least five alielic forms that segregated consistently in familial studies. The Vα, polymorphlsms revealed in this study, together with those exhibited by Vβ gene subfamilies, should prove useful in studying possible associations between TCR gene usage and disorders of the immune system. © 1989 The Japanese Society for Immunology.