NEW SIMPLIFIED MOLECULAR DESIGN FOR FUNCTIONAL T-CELL RECEPTOR

We have produced a chimeric single-chain T cell receptor (TcR) that co mbines the specific antibody recognition function and TcR/CD3 signalin g properties within the same polypeptide chain. This hybrid molecule c onsisted of a single-chain antibody combining site that was connected over a short spacer to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic region of CD3 zeta. When expressed on TcR- or TcR+ T cell hybridomas it could mediat e recognition of relevent target cells and subsequent production of ly mphokines; i.e. it could functionally replace the TcR/CD3 complex. The refore, the single-chain TcR model presented here represents an intere sting and useful means for the creation of T cells with new specificit ies.