TCR V gene usage in autoimmunity.

With the use of polymerase chain reaction technology, investigators now have the ability to assess, in a comprehensive and rapid manner, the entire repertoire of T cell antigen receptors expressed by pathogenic cells present in virtually any disease site. A summary of studies of T cell receptor variable gene usage suggests that preferential expression can be identified most reproducibly when cells are isolated directly from pathogenic lesions. This provides a framework for future investigations in other autoimmune settings.