SECRETION OF T-CELL RECEPTOR FRAGMENTS FROM RECOMBINANT ESCHERICHIA-COLI-CELLS

This study describes the secretion and purification of T cell receptor (TCR) Vα, Vβ domains and single chain Vα-Vβ fragments (scTCRs) from recombinant Escherichia coli cells. The TCR Vα and Vβ genes are derived from a T cell hybridoma that is associated with disease pathogenesis in murine experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Circular dichroism (c.d.) analyses of the single domains and the scTCR indicate that they are folded into β-pleated sheet structures similar to those of immunoglobulin variable domains. The secreted TCR fragments can be purified in milligram quantities, and could therefore be used in high-resolution structural studies, in immunization to generate anti-clonotypic antibodies or in vaccination. © 1992.