Dual receptor T-cells. Implications for alloreactivity and autoimmunity.

Using monoclonal antibodies to human V alpha, we have estimated that up to one-third of mature T-cells express two V alpha chains as part of two functional and independent T-cell receptors. Cells belonging to this dual TCR subset may be specific for a broader range of antigens than cells with a single receptor. We discuss the possibility that dual receptor T-cells may be involved in alloreactivity and autoimmunity.