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.