Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether in vivo changes in the repertoire of Tcr β chain variable region (Vβ) genes could be detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells after immunization of humans with recombinant hepatitis B virus envelope protein (rHBsAg). We measured the percentage of Tcr RNA transcripts carrying each of 20 Vβ genes in human PBMC before and after immunization with rHBsAg in Polynesians (8 non-immunized controls, 26 immunized subjects) and Europeans (9 non-immunized controls, 11 immunized subjects). The per cent of RNA transcripts containing Vβ7.4 family genes was increased in immunized vs control Polynesian (+1.6 ± 0.5% vs −1.1 ± 0.3%, P=0.0002) and European (+1.6 ± 0.6% vs −0.1 ± 0.5%, P=0.05) subjects at 48 h and 28 h post-immunization, respectively. No changes in Vβ repertoire were found after 48 h in either race. Thus, there is a transient increase in frequency of T cells with Tcr containing Vβ7.4 family genes within 48 h of an immunization containing rHBsAg in humans. There are a number of explanations for this finding, including the possibility that Vβ7.4 gene family products may be preferentially involved in the primary immune response to HBsAg.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
