T-cell receptor, TCR

The T-cell receptor performs an antigen-recognition function on the surface of T-cells, analogous to that of immunoglobulins on the surface of B-cells. The TCR associated with the CD3 complex. The TCR comes in two forms, as the ab and gd heterodimers.

Immunohistochemical expression

The ab heterodimer is present on:

•  90% of thymocytes and mature peripheral T-cells

• 60% of precursor T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas

• 70% of peripheral T-cell lymphomas

The gd heterodimer is present on:

• small numbers of thymocytes

• small number of cells in the skin and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue

• less that 5% of peripheral T-cells

• 10-20% of precursor T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas

Diagnostic utility

References

This page last revised 12.10.2006.

©SMUHT/PW Bishop