Predominant expression of a T cell receptor V beta gene subfamily in autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Abstract

TCR .beta. chain gene expression of individual T cell clones that share the same MHC class II restriction and similar fine specificity for the encephalitogenic NH2 terminus of the autoantigen myelin basic protein (MBP) has been examined. TCR V.beta. expression was examined by FACS analysis with mAbS specific for the V.beta.8 subfamily of TCR .beta. chain genes. 14 of 18 (78%) NH2-terminal MBP-specific clones examined express a member of the TCR V.beta.8 subfamily. Southern analysis was used to identify which member(s) of the TCR V.beta.8 subfamily is expressed by these clones. Each of four clones examined uses V.beta.8.2, though two different V.beta.8.2-J.beta.2 combinations were identified. Our findings indicate that three is restricted TCR V.beta. usage in the autoimmune T cell response to the dominant encephalitogenic NH2-terminal epitope of the MBP. The use of an mAb to the antigen-specific TCR in the prevention of T cell-mediated autoimmune disease has been investigated. Our results demonstrate that in vivo administration of a TCR V.beta.8-specific mAb prevents induction of autoimmune encephalomyelitis.