Diagnostic reagents based on unique sequences within the variable region of the T cell receptor and uses thereof

摘要

This invention provides a reagent capable of binding to T cells and having specificity for a unique sequence within the variable region of the beta chain of the T cell receptor, the presence of increased number of T cells carrying the unique sequence relative to the number of T cells carrying the sequence present in a normal subject being associated with a specific disease. Specific diseases such as human cancers, e.g. lymphomas; autoimmune diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis; Alzheimer's disease; infectious diseases, e.g. those caused by bacteria, yeast or parasite; or allergies, may be diagnosed as follows. A suitable sample containing T cells is obtained from a subject. The sample is contacted under appropriate conditions with such a reagent. If the subject's cells contain the unique sequence, a detectable complex is formed between the reagent and T cells which contain the sequence. By quantitatively determining the number of T cells containing the sequence present in the complex formed and comparing this number with the number of T cells carrying the sequence determined for a normal subject, the disease with which the unique sequence is associated may be diagnosed. Similar reagents and methods may also be used to detect organ transplant rejection.