Diagnostic reagents based on unique sequences within the variable region of the T cell receptor and uses thereof

Abstract

This invention provides a reagent capable of binding to T cells and having specificity for a unique sequence within the variable region of the .beta. chain of the T cell receptor, the presence of increased number of T cells carrying the unique sequence relative to the number of T cells carrying the sequence present in a normal subject being associated with a specific disease. Specific diseases such as human cancers, e.g. lymphomas; autoimmune diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis; Alzheimer's disease; infectious diseases, e.g. those caused by bacteria, yeast or parasite; or allergies, may be diagnosed as follows. A suitable sample containing T cells is obtained from a subject. The sample is contacted under appropriate conditions with such a reagent. If the subject's cells contain the unique sequence, a detectable complex is formed between the reagent and T cells which contain the sequence. By quantitatively determining the number of T cells containing the sequence present in the complex formed and comparing this number with the number of T cells carrying the sequence determined for a normal subject, the disease with which the unique sequence is associated may be diagnosed. Similar reagents and methods may also be used to detect organ transplant rejection.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.