Patent Evaluation: Diagnosing and treating autoimmune disorders using Jβ or Vβ polypeptides and antibodies

Abstract

Novelty: Methods for the identification of the T-cell receptor domains used preferentially by autoimmune patients (specifically rheumatoid arthritis sufferers) are reported. Patients may be treated with polypeptides containing sequences from these domains or with antibodies capable of specifically binding with these domains.

Biology: The identification of the T-cell receptor (TCR) domains used preferentially by autoimmune patients is achieved by PCR analysis of TCRP chain variable regions. Primer sequences suitable for use with 24 Vp domains are detailed. The analysis demonstrated that rheumatoid arthritis patients preferentially use the T-cell receptor domains V_β14, V_β7, V_β8, V_β12, V_β13, V_β15, V_β2.2, V_β2.3, J_β2.1, J_β2.5, J_β2.7 and C_β2.