DIVERSE T-CELL RECEPTOR V-BETA GENE USAGE IN THE CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEM IN EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS

The repertoire of TCR Vbeta genes transcribed and expressed within the central nervous system was determined in mice with experimental aller gic encephalomyelitis. Disease was induced in (PL/J x SJL/J)F1 mice by immunizing with myelin basic protein-acetylated peptide 1-11, and mic e were sacrificed at intervals from day 3 postimmunization to 3 wk aft er recovery from disease. Transcription of Vbeta genes was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction on RNA extracted fr om spinal cord, and expression of the Vbeta gene products was detected by immunohistochemistry with mAb specific for various Vbeta proteins. Multiple Vbeta genes were found to be transcribed and expressed in th e central nervous system starting 7 days after immunization, and conti nuing up to 3 wk after clinical recovery. Preferential utilization of a single TCR Vbeta gene was not detected in the central nervous system at any time in the course of disease.