Limited heterogeneity in T-cell receptor V beta chain gene expression in arthritic joints of BUB/BnJ (H-2q) mice--a T-cell receptor V beta a strain.

We have earlier shown that T-cells in arthritic joints and LNs of B10.Q mice (H-2q, TCR V beta b) use a restricted number of TCR V beta chain genes (V beta 6, 8, 9). In the present study, we have investigated the TCR V beta chain gene expression in arthritic joints and LN of BUB/BnJ mice (H-2q, TCR V beta a). Mice were immunized with [table: see text] chicken type-II collagen, and arthritic joints and draining LNs were removed at the onset of arthritis and the TCR V beta chain gene expression was studied by PCR. A restricted usage of TCR V beta was observed in both the tissues. A dominant usage of TCR V beta 4, 7, and 15 was found in the LNs while TCR V beta 3 and 10 were predominantly expressed in arthritic joints in the majority of the arthritic mice (5/7). Our results indicate that (a) in H-2q mice with CIA there is a restricted usage of TCR V beta chain genes regardless of the TCR V beta genotype; and (b) in the absence of TCR V beta 8 and 9, TCR V beta 3 and 10 are predominantly used by joint-infiltrating T-cells.