The influence of B-cell idiotypes on the repertoire of suppressor T cells.

The idiotypes expressed by T cells involved in responses to a particular antigen are very similar to those on immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules specific for the same antigen. However, the T-cell antigen receptors do not use the same variable region genes as the Ig heavy chain molecules. Here, Kent HayGlass and his colleagues review the evidence for this interesting puzzle and suggest that the idiotypes expressed by 8 cells to which maturing T cells are exposed determine the final T-cell idiotype repertoire.