ABSTRACT
An Idiotype (ID) is identified on the basis of reactivity with an anti-idiotype (anti-Id) antibody. Unique amino acid sequences in the variable domains T-cell receptor (TCR) peptide chains seem to provide the structural basis for T-cell specificity. An independent identification of the antigen receptor on lymphoma cells may prove to be difficult. Information interpreted as showing expression of Ig Id by T lymphocytes usually was provided by observations made with incompletely characterized antigens and with heterogeneous populations of antibodies and lymphoid cells. The identification of the TCR and the characterization of T-cell Id also were facilitated by the availability of large numbers of homogeneous T cells. T-cell lymphomas can be cloned and grown readily in culture. Construction of T-cell hybridomas, using modifications of the fusion method that has been applied so successfully for obtaining antibody-producing B-cell hybridomas, has been a successful alternative approach for obtaining clonal populations of T cells. The anti-Id antibody reactive with the TCR was identified indirectly.
