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T cell differentiation (view source)
Revision as of 08:12, 27 September 2010
, 08:12, 27 September 2010→TCR Complex
===TCR Complex===
===TCR Complex===
The T cell Receptor, or TCR is always associated with CD3 which is referred to as the '''TCR complex'''. TCR is expressed on the surface of T cells in a noncovalent association with a complex of transmembrane polypeptides.
The T cell Receptor, or TCR is always associated with CD3 which is referred to as the '''TCR complex'''. TCR is expressed on the surface of T cells in a noncovalent association with a complex of transmembrane polypeptides.
CD3 contains 3 distinct polypeptide chains that are expressed exclusively on T cells: γ, ε, and δ. These molecules are members of the Ig superfamily - the ε chain associates with both γ and δ - and they play a 'chaperone' role in transporting newly synthesized TCR molecules to the cell surface.
CD3 contains 3 distinct polypeptide chains that are expressed exclusively on T cells: γ, ε, and δ. These molecules are members of the Ig superfamily - the ε chain associates with both γ and δ - and they play a 'chaperone' role in transporting newly synthesized TCR molecules to the cell surface.
CD3 also contains 2 identical chains: ζ and 16 kDa, which are found on T cells, macrophages and NK cells. Mice also can have an ε (eta) form.
CD3 also contains 2 identical chains: ζ and 16 kDa, which are found on T cells, macrophages and NK cells. Mice also can have an ε (eta) form.
[[Image:TCR Complex.jpg|thumb|right|250px|TCR Complex - Copyright Prof Dirk Werling DrMedVet PhD MRCVS]]
===Response to Activation===
===Response to Activation===