An analysis of sequence variation in the beta chain framework and complementarity determining regions of an allo-reactive T cell receptor.

Current models of T cell receptor (TCR) structure are generally based on the homology observed between the TCR and the immunoglobulins. Furthermore, these models have predicted the locations of framework and complementarity determining regions within the alpha- and beta-chain variable regions. In order to test the validity of these models, we have generated a series of mutations within the V beta domain of an allo-reactive TCR and determined their effect on antigen recognition.