Antigen-binding, Idiotypic Receptors from T Lymphocytes: An Analysis of Their Biochemistry, Genetics, and Use as Immunogens To Produce Specific Immune Tolerance (original) (raw)

  1. H. Binz and
  2. H. Wigzell
  3. Department of Immunology, University of Uppsala Medical School, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden

Excerpt

Thymus-dependent (T) lymphocytes are able to recognize antigen in a highly discriminatory manner (for discussion, see Janeway 1976). Unlike the receptors on B lymphocytes, which behave more or less like conventional immunoglobulin (Ig) molecules, the nature of the antigen-binding receptors on T cells has long constituted an enigma (Crone et al. 1972). Two major sets of genes have been implied to participate in the generation of the antigen-binding structures on T cells. One set of genes comprises the so-called immune-response (Ir) genes associated with the major histocompatibility (MHC) complex locus of the species (Benacerraf and McDevitt 1972). These Ir genes have frequently been found to govern whether T lymphocytes of an individual are able to respond to certain antigens (Katz and Benacerraf 1975). Lately, complicated gene interactions among several genes within the MHC complex locus have been shown to participate in such Ir-controlled immune responses with site of action at...