Pre-TCR/CD3 and TCR/CD3 complexes: decamers with differential signalling properties?

Currently, the favoured model for the structure of the T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex proposes a monovalent TCR alpha beta/CD3 gamma epsilon delta epsilon zeta zeta octameric complex. However, other biochemical, structural and functional data point to a bivalent (TCR alpha beta)2/CD3 gamma epsilon delta epsilon zeta zeta decameric organization, which has a favourable neutral transmembrane net charge within the complex. Here, Heinz Jacobs proposes a model for the organization of the pre-TCR and discusses its function in signal transduction.