Comparative genomics of the human and mouse T cell receptor loci

The availability of the complete genomic sequences of the human and mouse T cell receptor loci opens up new opportunities for understanding T cell rec eptors (TCRs) and their genes. The full complement of TCR gene segments is finally known and should prove a valuable resource for supporting functiona l studies. A rational nomenclature system has been implemented and is widel y available through IMGT and other public databases. Systematic comparisons of the genomic sequences within each locus, between loci, and across speci es enable precise analyses of the various diversification mechanisms and so me regulatory signals. The genomic landscape of the TCR loci provides funda mental insights into TCR evolution as highly localized and tightly regulate d gene families.