T Cell Receptor and Immunoglobulin Gene Rearrangements In Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Abstract

The cloning of immunoglobulin (Ig) and T cell receptor (TcR) genes have lead to the availability of genetic probes. They are used to study the activation of these genes in B and T cell ontogeny, to study the fine details of antibody generation, and to study the uniquely specific TcRs. They have also been used as powerful diagnostic tools for the detection of clonal lymphoid expansions, for determination of cell lineage in the great majority of lymphoproliferative disorders, and for monitoring therapy and detecting residual clonal populations in these lymphoid disorders. Several examples of recurrent specific translocations involving Ig and TcR genes in lymphoid malignancies are known and the role of these events in the pathogenesis of this group of neoplasias is being pursued. Furthermore, the molecular aspects of the recognition of self and foreign antigens, and the possible links between histocompatibility antigens and the TcR repertoire are subjects of intense studies. © 1989 Elsevier Science Publishers, B.V.