Human gamma , delta T cell antigen receptor polypeptides and nucleic acids

摘要

The present invention is directed to purified polypeptides comprising the gamma T cell antigen receptor (TCR) polypeptide, the delta TCR polypeptide, a gamma , delta TCR complex, or a fragment thereof containing an epitope. The invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding such polypeptides, and subsequences thereof. In specific embodiments, the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising variable, diversity, joining, or constant regions of the delta TCR gene sequence. The invention also relates to monoclonal antibodies specifically reactive with an epitope of the gamma or delta TCR polypeptides. In specific embodiments, these antibodies are reactive with the delta constant region, the delta variable region, or gamma constant region. Such antibodies can be identified by detecting co-modulation of the CD3 antigen. In another embodiment, the invention relates to compositions comprising substantially purified cells which express both a gamma , delta TCR and the CD4 antigen. The invention also relates to a composition comprising cells which express a gamma , delta TCR that is not associated with a CD3 complex.