Abstract.
The assumption that T cells can only express a single receptor for antigen has in recent years been shown to be incorrect. However, the finding that a substantial number of T cells express two distinct antigen receptors at the cell surface raises a number of questions. In particular, it has been suggested that cells expressing low levels of a self-reactive T cell receptor may escape self-tolerance mechanisms and in certain situations trigger the onset of autoimmune disease. Such a hypothesis in turn raises questions central to the understanding of the nature of T cell recognition and the process of thymocyte maturation.
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Received 19 January 1999; received after revision 22 March 1999; accepted 21 April 1999
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Elliott, J. Dual Vα T cells. CMLS, Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 56, 143–154 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s000180050013
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s000180050013