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At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Clonally-related immunoglobulin VH domains and nonrandom use of DH gene segments in rheumatoid arthritis synovium.

BACKGROUND: Synovia of patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are typically infiltrated with B lymphocytes and plasma cells that secrete large amounts of immunoglobulin. The CDR3 of an immunoglobulin heavy chain is composed of the VH-DH-JH join, with interposed N region addition, and thus defines clonal relatedness. Furthermore, the CDR3 lies at the center of the antigen binding site, so its length and composition influence antigen binding. We sought definitive evidence of an antigen-driven B cell response (i.e., clones derived from the same VH, DH, and JH gene segments with shared somatic mutations) in RA synovial mRNA transcripts, and to characterize CDR3 intervals at the target of inflammation in this autoimmune disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We screened a cDNA library generated from unselected cells from the knee joint of a 62-year-old white female with long-standing RA. This technique does not have the potential bias of selecting for antibodies that express a particular reactivity such as rheumatoid factor. C gamma recombinants were sequenced and progenitor VH, DH, and JH gene segments were assigned and somatic mutations determined by comparison to germline sequences. Analyses of DH reading frame utilization and hydropathy characteristics of CDR3s were performed. RESULTS: Two of 67 recombinants were derived from the same VH (V3-11) and JH gene segments, demonstrated shared mutations, and contained nearly identical VH-DH-JH joins, including N region addition. Three other recombinants contained identical sequence throughout the variable domain. We also found preferential utilization of a limited number of VH and DH gene segments and marked preference for a DH reading frame encoding predominantly hydrophilic residues. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of expressed heavy chain variable domains strongly supports the hypothesis that the B cell response in RA synovium is at least in part antigen driven and oligoclonal.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Phage display used for gene cloning of human recombinant antibody against the erythrocyte surface antigen, rhesus D.

A novel phage display system has been developed for PCR amplification and cloning of the Fab fragments of human immunoglobulin genes. Using this system, we have cloned an antibody from a mouse-human hybridoma cell line directed against the erythrocyte antigen rhesus D. Intact erythrocytes were used for absorption of the Fab phages. Soluble Fab fragments produced from the cloned material showed identical performance to the parental antibody in agglutination assays. Gel filtration confirmed that the Fab fragment consists of a kappa-Fd heterodimer. The successful use of intact cells for selection of specific Fab phages demonstrates that it is possible to by-pass purification of the antigen of interest. Comparison with published germline sequences demonstrated that the immunoglobulin coding regions had the highest homology to the VH 1.9III and V kappa Hum kappa v325 germline genes, respectively.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

BRCA1 mutations in familial ovarian cancer.

BRCA1 mutation research in ovarian and breast cancer 17q21-linked families has yielded a large number of germline sequence variations. Somatic mutations have been uncommonly reported. We screened 81 probands with primary ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian tube carcinoma for BRCA1 mutations. The study group was intentionally biased by the inclusion of 29 probands with a family history of ovarian and/or breast carcinoma, 13 probands diagnosed on or before age 45, seven individuals with a metachronous breast cancer and 51 tumors with BRCA1 LOH. Tumor and/or germline DNA was screened by modified techniques of single-strand confirmation polymorphism analysis, and abnormal banding patterns were sequenced to confirm mutations. Twenty-one (25.9%) BRCA1 sequence variations were identified. Eight mutations were somatic including seven null mutations. Apart from classical hereditary ovarian/breast cancer, a family history of ovarian/breast cancer defines a subset of ovarian cancer individuals with a significant likelihood of either a germline or a somatic BRCA1 gene sequence variation.

Adult↗

Evidence for the overexpression of the VH4-34 (VH4.21) Ig gene segment in the normal adult human peripheral blood B cell repertoire.

The VH4-34 (VH4.21) gene has been repeatedly found to encode monoclonal anti-i/l cold agglutinins and is occasionally used by other autoantibodies with anti-DNA and rheumatoid factor specificity. To understand the basis for the frequent expression of the VH4-34 gene in autoimmunity, we prepared linker-based, amplified C mu and C gamma V gene (cDNA) libraries from the peripheral blood of two healthy adults (PBL-3 and PBL-4). The frequency of VH4 family gene-containing clones was determined with VH family-specific oligonucleotide probes, and by random sequencing we examined the frequency of VH4-34 gene expression among the VH4+ C mu clones. Collectively, these studies suggested that VH4-34 gene expression accounted for 7.8 and 10.3% of all IgM clones in the cDNA libraries of PBL-3 and PBL-4, respectively. In VH4 family-specific libraries prepared from genomic rearranged Ig DNA, the VH4-34 gene was also overrepresented relative to other VH4 family genes. In both the mu-cDNA as well as the rearranged Ig DNA libraries, the VH4-34-expressing clones were 95 to 100% homologous to the germline sequence and contained different CDR3 sequences. By contrast, the VH4-34-expressing C gamma clones showed somatic diversification from germline; in addition, the C gamma clones often had the same CDR3 sequences, suggesting that these clones were derived from either activated B cells or expanded, clonally related B cells. Multiparameter flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes indicated that 3.2 to 6.2% of mu+CD20+ cells express the VH4-34-related Id 9G4. These current findings are relevant to the interpretation of restricted Ig gene usage reported in monoclonal cold agglutinin disease and other autoimmune disorders.

Adult↗

Molecular characterization of bovine V lambda regions.

Using an inverse PCR technique with primers directed against constant region sequences, 18 V lambda regions have been isolated at random from bovine splenic cDNA for detailed analysis. On the basis of protein sequences in FR1 and their homologies to the human lambda chains NEWM and MCG, the bovine determinants can be separated into two families that have been designated V lambda 1 (94% of all clones isolated) and V lambda 2 (6% of all clones isolated). Scrutiny of the nucleotide sequences has allowed subdivision of the dominant family into V lambda 1a, V lambda 1b and V lambda 1c groupings, which represent 29, 65, and 6% of all V lambda 1 clones respectively. It appears that the size of CDR1 is V lambda group-specific--the region comprises 14 amino acids in V lambda 1a determinants and 13 residues in V lambda 1b and V lambda 1c,--whereas with a single exception, seven amino acids make up CDR2. The size of CDR3 is variable, ranging from 10 to 15 amino acids in length. Conservation of those nucleotide sequences that encode the signal peptide and FR3 has enabled us to amplify and characterize 14 V lambda 1 genes from kidney genomic DNA. Interestingly, half of the germline sequences were not represented in the data gathered from splenic cDNA, while the remaining genes could be identified as members of the V lambda 1a and V lambda 1b groups. The findings indicate that the V lambda 1 family dominates the expressed bovine light chain repertoire but that a large proportion of the germline segments from which this repertoire is derived may be nonfunctional.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Primary central nervous system lymphomas express Vh genes with intermediate to high somatic mutations.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare disease, especially among non-AIDS patients. Although almost all PCNSLs belong to the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBL) category, its clinical course differs from that of other types of DLBL. To elucidate the histogenesis of PCNSL, we analyzed the source of the cells from its variable region (VH) sequences using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to amplify the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene of DNA extracted from paraffin sections. Fifteen patients with AIDS-unrelated PCNSL of DLBL type, (7 males and 8 females), were evaluated. Only one case showed positive evidence of EBV infection. The prognosis was very poor with a median survival of 9 months. Analysis of the VH sequences revealed that the VH4 family was used in 4 cases and the VH3 family in 2 cases. The homology with previously published germline sequences was random, ranging from 82.7-93.2%, showing intermediate to high somatic mutations. In 3 of 6 cases, the existence of intraclonal diversity was suspected. These findings suggest that PCNSLs are histogenetically derived from antigen selected B cells in the germinal center (GC) environment.

Adult↗

T cell receptor usage by HLA-DR3-specific T cell clones isolated from a renal allograft.

In order to evaluate the T cell receptor (TCR) usage by clones of human allograft infiltrating lymphocytes, this study utilized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of TCR transcripts from five clones which were previously shown to react with a human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR3 mismatch between a living related kidney donor and recipient. The five CD4+ (CD8-) clones, which were selected for TCR analysis, proliferated in response to HLA-DR3 and three of the clones were also cytotoxic against the same target cells. After identification of the TCRAV and TCRBV usage of the clones, the sequence of the TCR alpha and beta were determined by direct sequencing of the PCR product. The results indicate that several different TCRAV and TCRBV gene segments are used among the different clones, but the two clones that were both cytotoxic and proliferative in response to HLA-DR3 shared identical TCRAV27-J42-C and TCRBV13-D1-J1S2-C1 transcripts. The additional three clones showed various TCRAV and TCRBV transcripts, but evaluation of the CDR3 region of the TCR beta chain, corresponding to the peptide antigen binding sites, demonstrated shared amino acid motifs which resulted both from germline sequences and combinations of n-region and germline-derived codons. These results suggest that the repertoire for anti-HLA-DR3-reactive clones can include a diverse expression of TCR, but there may be selection for some clones, as well as conserved motifs in the CDR3 region of anti-DR3 specific clones.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A monoclonal antibody against the platelet fibrinogen receptor contains a sequence that mimics a receptor recognition domain in fibrinogen.

The binding of fibrinogen to its platelet receptor, the glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex, is mediated, in part, by an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence within the fibrinogen A alpha chain. PAC1 is an IgM-kappa murine monoclonal antibody that binds to the platelet fibrinogen receptor, and its binding is inhibited by both fibrinogen and RGD-containing peptides. To identify the regions of PAC1 that interact with the fibrinogen receptor, we determined the mRNA sequences of PAC1 immunoglobulin heavy and light chain variable regions. Five out of the six complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) of PAC1 had entirely germline sequences with no regions of similarity to fibrinogen. However, CDR3 of the PAC1 heavy chain (H-CDR3) was very large and unique due to the insertion of a novel D region segment. H-CDR3 contained a sequence, Arg-Tyr-Asp (RYD), that, if present in the proper conformation, might behave like the RGD sequence in fibrinogen. A 21-residue synthetic peptide encompassing the H-CDR3 region inhibited fibrinogen-dependent platelet aggregation as well as the binding of PAC1 (Ki = 10 microM) and fibrinogen (Ki = 5 microM) to activated platelets. The RYD region of H-CDR3 appeared to be central to its function, because substitution of the tyrosine with glycine increased the inhibitory potency of the peptide by 10-fold, while replacing the tyrosine with D-alanine or inverting the RYD sequence sharply reduced the inhibitory potency. Thus, the linear sequence, RYD, within H-CDR3 of PAC1 appears to mimic the RGD receptor recognition sequence in fibrinogen. This type of immunologic approach could be useful in studying the structural basis of other receptor-ligand interactions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Gene conversion between unlinked sequences in the germline of mice.

Gene conversion between homologous sequences on non-homologous chromosomes (ectopic gene conversion) is remarkably frequent in fungi. It is thought to be a consequence of genome-wide homology scanning required to form synapses between homologous chromosomes. This activity provides a mechanism for concerted evolution of dispersed genes. Technical obstacles associated with mammalian systems have hitherto precluded investigations into ectopic gene conversion in the mammals. Here, we describe a binary transgenic mouse system to detect ectopic gene conversion in mice. Conversion events are visualized by histochemical staining of spermatids, and corroborated by polymerase chain reaction amplification of transgenes in spermatozoa. The results show that conversion between unliked, hemizygous lacZ transgenes is frequent in the male germline, ranging from 0.1 to 0.7% of spermatids. Genomic location may affect the susceptibility to recombination, since the frequency varied between lines. The results suggest that homologous genes can undergo concerted evolution despite being genomically dispersed. However, mechanisms may exist to modulate this activity, enabling the divergence of duplicated genes.

Animals↗

VH gene usage is multiple myeloma: complete absence of the VH4.21 (VH4-34) gene.

The immunoglobin heavy chain variable region (VH) gene usage in multiple myeloma (MM) has not been reported, although a few studies have incidentally identified the VH gene rearranged in small cohorts of MM patients. We used a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction based technique to analyze the VH gene usage in MM. The VH sequences were obtained after amplification of bone marrow cDNA using the seven VH family-specific and constant region primers. The VH sequences of 72 patients were successfully identified. The frequency of VH family usage in decreasing order was VH3>VH4>VH1>VH5>VH2>VH6>VH7 and corresponded to the functional germline complexity of the VH families. Individual VH genes (VH1-69, VH3-9, VH3-23, and VH3-30) were overrepresented in our cohort of MM patients; some VH genes [VH3-49, VH3-53, and VH4.21 (VH4-34)], which are rearranged with increased frequency in normal circulating B cells, autoimmune diseases, and other B-cell malignancies, were not detected in any MM patient. Compared with germline sequences, an average of 8.8% (range, 2.7% to 16.5%) of the nucleotides had evidence of mutation within each VH sequence. Based on these results, we conclude that (1) the VH gene usage in MM is unique compared with other malignant and nonmalignant B-cell populations, (2) the physiologic process of clonal deletion functions to remove clones that have rearranged VH genes (VH4.21) capable of expressing antibodies, which recognize self-antigens, and (3) the complete lack of VH4.21 gene rearrangement may help to partially explain the paucity of autoimmune phenomena in MM.

Base Sequence↗

Nucleotide sequence analysis of 77.7 kb of the human V beta T-cell receptor gene locus: direct primer-walking using cosmid template DNAs.

The nucleotide sequence of 77.7 kb from the human T-cell receptor beta-chain locus was determined directly from three overlapping cosmid clones using the primer-walking approach. Computer-aided analyses of this sequence reveal the presence of at least 11 genic regions that are closely related to the human T-cell receptor beta variable region (TCRBV) gene family. These include five germline sequences that have previously been determined, V beta 21.2, V beta 8.1, V beta 8.2, V beta 8.3, and V beta 16, and four whose sequences have partially been determined at the mRNA level, V beta 6, V beta 23, V beta 12.2, V beta 24. The two remaining V beta Tcr-related sequences have eluded discovery by cDNA and RT-PCR cloning and genomic blot hybridization methods. These two V beta Tcr-related genes lack > 75% nucleotide sequence identity with any other V beta Tcr gene member and therefore, by convention, are referred to as new subfamily members V beta 25 and V beta 26. This lack of shared identity with other subfamily members explains why they were not detected by hybridization. The promoter regions of these V beta Tcr genes contain the conserved Tcr decamer element located between 80 and 110 bp 5' of the translation start site, generally near a putative TATAA promoter element. Our sequence analysis also reveals that a 3.3-kb duplication unit was involved in the recombination event that produced the closely related V beta 8.1 and 8.2 gene subfamily members. This sequenced region of the V beta locus contains an average number of repetitive DNA elements (21 Alu, three L1, three MER, and three retrovirus-related elements.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Molecular evolution of homologous gene sequences in germline-limited and somatic chromosomes of Acricotopus.

The origin of germline-limited chromosomes (Ks) as descendants of somatic chromosomes (Ss) and their structural evolution was recently elucidated in the chironomid Acricotopus. The Ks consist of large S-homologous sections and of heterochromatic segments containing germline-specific, highly repetitive DNA sequences. Less is known about the molecular evolution and features of the sequences in the S-homologous K sections. More information about this was received by comparing homologous gene sequences of Ks and Ss. Genes for 5.8S, 18S, 28S, and 5S ribosomal RNA were choosen for the comparison and therefore isolated first by PCR from somatic DNA of Acricotopus and sequenced. Specific K DNA was collected by microdissection of monopolar moving K complements from differential gonial mitoses and was then amplified by degenerate oligonucleotide primer (DOP)-PCR. With the sequence data of the somatic rDNAs, the homologous 5.8S and 5S rDNA sequences were isolated by PCR from the DOP-PCR sequence pool of the Ks. In addition, a number of K DOP-PCR sequences were directly cloned and analysed. One K clone contained a section of a putative N-acetyltransferase gene. Compared with its homolog from the Ss, the sequence exhibited few nucleotide substitutions (99.2% sequence identity). The same was true for the 5.8S and 5S sequences from Ss and Ks (97.5%-100% identity). This supports the idea that the S-homologous K sequences may be conserved and do not evolve independently from their somatic homologs. Possible mechanisms effecting such conservation of S-derived sequences in the Ks are discussed.

Acetyltransferases↗

Primary structure of a monoclonal kappa chain in myeloma with light chain deposition disease.

Previous data suggest that structural abnormalities of immunoglobulin light chains may be responsible for non-amyloid light chain deposition disease (LCDD). We report on the complete primary sequence deduced from complementary (c)DNA analysis of a normal-sized kappa chain in a case of myeloma-associated LCDD. The patient's urine contained a kappa type Bence-Jones protein made of monomers and dimers of an unglycosylated kappa chain. The bone marrow myeloma cells contained intracellular kappa and gamma chains by immunofluorescence. Biosynthesis experiments showed the production of normal-sized gamma chains and of kappa chains with the same apparent molecular mass (Mr) in SDS gels as the urinary kappa chain (26,000-27,000). These kappa chains were secreted as assembled IgG molecules and as a large excess of free monomers and dimers. The complete sequence of two identical cDNA clones derived from a normal-sized kappa messenger RNA indicated that this kappa chain belonged to the rare V kappa IV subgroup. The kappa mRNA had an overall normal structure made up of the V kappa IV sequence rearranged to J kappa 1 and followed by a normal constant exon of the Km(3) allotype. The variable region differed from the V kappa IV-J kappa 1 germline sequence by 17 amino acid substitutions. The peculiar sequence of the variable region of this kappa chain of a rare subgroup might relate to its tissue deposition.

Aged↗

Human anti-Gal heavy chain genes. Preferential use of VH3 and the presence of somatic mutations.

Anti-Gal is the most abundant natural Ab known in humans. It interacts specifically with the carbohydrate structure Gal alpha 1-3 Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc-R (termed the alpha-galactosyl epitope), constitutes approximately 1% of circulating Ig, and is found in all three isotypes in the serum. Anti-Gal is produced in Old World monkeys, apes, and humans, and in no other mammalian species. The objective of this study was to determine the VH genes involved in the synthesis of anti-Gal. B lymphocytes from various individuals were transformed by EBV, the clones producing anti-Gal were isolated, the specificity and affinity of the Abs were determined, and the VH genes were sequenced. The affinity of anti-Gal clones for the free radiolabeled alpha-galactosyl epitope ranged between 1.1 x 10(6) M-1 and 5 x 10(8) M-1. Eight of the nine clones studied used VH3 family genes and one clone used a VH1 family gene. Four of the five VH3 genes used were found to form a cluster of related sequences, suggesting that functional constraints may lead to the use of VH3 genes with structural motifs that are suited for specific interactions with the alpha-galactosyl epitope. Comparison with known germline sequences for all of the clones studied and analysis of autologous germ-line genes in two of the clones indicate that anti-Gal VH genes undergo somatic mutations. These somatic mutations may provide a pool of variants that are available for affinity maturation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Innate antibody catalysis.

Catalysis by antibodies is often assumed to require immunization with artificial haptens, which are proposed to stimulate adaptive immune processes and enable the development of catalytic sites with the ability to bind the transition state. Contrary to this assumption, we describe here a serine protease-like catalytic triad in an antibody light chain raised by immunization with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), the structure and function of which is inherited via a germline V(L) gene. The serine protease mechanism was evident from loss of the catalytic activity by site directed mutagenesis at a framework region residue Asp1 (present study) and at two complementarity determining region residues Ser27a and His 93 (Gao, Q-S., Sun, M., Rees, A., Paul, S., 1995. Site-directed mutagenesis of proteolytic antibody light chain. J. Mol. Biol. 253, 658-664). All three catalytic residues (Ser27a, His93, Asp1) are also present in the germline counterpart of the mature V(L) gene, but the mature and germline sequences differ by four amino acids remote from the catalytic site. Reversion mutations were introduced at these amino acids in the mature light chain (His27 d:Asp, Thr28e:Ser, Ile34:Asn, Gln96:Trp; Kabat numbering, germline encoded residues shown second), generating the germline configuration of the protein. The germline light chain expressed peptidase activity, determined by assaying the cleavage of VIP and a synthetic protease substrate, Pro-Phe-Arg-Methylcoumarinamide. Differences between the kinetic constants for the mature and germline light chains were marginal. Diisopropylfluorophosphate, a serine protease inhibitor, blocked the peptidase activity of the germline light chain, suggesting the presence of the catalytic triad in a functional state. Like the mature light chain, the germline protein preferentially cleaves peptide bonds on the C-terminal side of basic residues. We conclude that the catalytic activity of certain antibodies is an innate function, originating over the course of phylogenetic evolution of the V(L) genes, as opposed to somatic processes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Restricted variable region gene usage and possible rheumatoid factor relationship among human monoclonal antibodies specific for the AD-1 epitope on cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B.

The nucleotide sequences of the variable region genes encoding five different human, high affinity antibodies, specific for the major neutralization determinant (AD-1) expressed by human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B (gp58/116), have been determined. Three of the five heavy chain variable regions belonged to the small VHV-family, although they combined with a diverse set of light chains (V kappa IIIb, V lambda II and V lambda III). The other two antibodies belonged to VH-families III and IV. One of the VHV-family genes most likely originated from a previously unreported germline gene or allele, since it carries a nine nucleotide insert in framework 1. In addition, V lambda-genes showed variable homology (77-95%) to known germline sequences, while V kappa-genes showed high homology (approximately 98%) with their proposed germline origin. Despite the close homology of the V kappa IIIb-gene used to express one of the antibodies with its corresponding germline gene, the protein did not strongly express some idiotypes associated with this light chain family. There is, thus, no direct relation between the expression of these crossreactive idiotypes and the use of even modestly mutated light chains belonging to this V kappa-family, which has been implicated in the development of anti-idiotypic networks possibly inducing autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of T cell receptor gamma-chain in murine cytotoxic T cells: analysis of a highly transcribed nonrearranged gene cluster.

The murine T cell receptor gamma-gene family is organized in 4 gene clusters which encode variable, joining and constant gene segments. Because the function of the gamma-gene products is still unclear, there is great interest in functional rearrangements of these genes. We searched for new variable gamma-gene segments in the gamma 4-gene cluster. The mapping and sequencing of a supposed new variable segment of a functionally spliced transcript from a cDNA library of the cytotoxic T cell clone 3F9 was attempted. The results show that the supposed variable segment is a transcribed noncoding germline sequence 5' adjacent to the gamma 4-joining segment. With the gamma 4-constant sequence as a probe, strong signals could be shown in Northern analysis of the original T cell clone 3F9 and in other virus-specific T cell clones. Since all the T cell clones investigated did not show any rearrangement in the gamma 4-gene cluster, the observed high transcriptional activity in this region could be involved functionally or as an intermediate in T cell receptor rearrangement.

Animals↗

Functional and structural similarity of V gamma 9V delta 2 T cells in humans and Aotus monkeys, a primate infection model for Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Gammadelta T cells are implicated to play crucial roles during early immune responses to pathogens. A subset of human gammadelta T cells carrying the Vgamma9Vdelta2 TCR recognize small, phosphorylated nonpeptidic Ags. However, the precise role of these cells and the ligands recognized in human immune responses against pathogens remains unclear because of the lack of suitable animal models. We have analyzed the reactivity of spleen cells of the New World monkey Aotus nancymaae against isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), a phosphorylated microbial metabolite selectively activating Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells. Spleen cells were stimulated by IPP and the expanding cell population expressed the Vgamma9 TCR. TRGV-J and TRDV-D-J rearrangements expressed by IPP-stimulated cells of Aotus were analyzed by RT-PCR and DNA sequencing. The TRGV-J and TRDV-D-J rearrangements expressed by IPP-stimulated Aotus and human gammadelta T cells were similar with respect to 1) TCR gene segment usage, 2) a high degree of germline sequence homology of the TCR gene segments used, and 3) the diversity of the CDR3 regions. Phylogenetic analysis of human, Pan troglodytes, and A. nancymaae TRGV gene segments showed that the interspecies differences are smaller than the intraspecies differences with TRGV9 gene segments located on a distinct clade of the phylogenetic tree. The structural and functional conservation of Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells in A. nancymaae and humans implicates a functionally important and evolutionary conserved mechanism of recognition of phosphorylated microbial metabolites.

Amino Acid Sequence↗