Magic™ TCR Repertoire Analysis for Invariant T Cell Identification

Creative Biolabs offers the unparalleled mass sequencing service to analyze the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires. Our scientists are skillful to identify invariant T cells with the Magic™ TCR repertoire analysis platform. We are able to identify invariant T cells based on TCR sequence, without prior knowledge of their specificity and function, which enables a highly targeted subsequent functional characterization of these cells.

The diversity of the TCR allows for recognition of a wide diversity of pathogens. A subset of the TCR repertoire is formed by invariant T cells. Invariant T cells express interdonor-conserved TCR and recognize a limited set of antigens, presented by non-polymorphic antigen presenting molecules. The evolutionary conservation of T lymphocyte subsets bearing invariant α chain is indicative of unique functions. The three identified invariant T cell are invariant natural killer T cells (NKT cells), the mucosa-associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) and GEM T cells. Because of its dysfunction or deficiency, NKT has been shown to lead to the development of autoimmune diseases and cancers. By the rapid release of cytokines, the clinical potential of NKT cells might promote or suppress different immune responses. While MAIT cells play a crucial role in the immune system by targeting bacterially infected cells and other pathogens, they may also attack healthy cells and play a role in certain autoimmune diseases. GEM T cells, which recognize the Mycobacterium tuberculosis lipid glucose monomycolate, are a plausible target for vaccination to tuberculosis.

Thus it can be seen that the invariant T cells have significant and potential application value in the biomedical field. Discovery of the three known invariant T cell populations has been a tedious and slow process. The TCR α chain of invariant T cells is much more conservative than the β chain, and the conservation of TCR α chain within an invariant T cell population is almost absolute. Therefore, TCR α chain datasets can be used to discover of new invariant T cells.

Fig.1 Comparison of T cell populations with a limited α-chain diversity (Kronenberg & Zajonc 2013).

Creative Biolabs has developed an advanced method to identify invariant T cells on our Magic™ TCR repertoire analysis platform. TCR α chain sequences from our Magic™ platform were sorted per sample using genetic barcodes. Subsequently, V and J segments were identified by comparison against the IMGT database. V and J segments with the highest score and percent identity were assigned to the sequences. Sequences were denoted as duplicates if they had an identical V α, J α and CDR 3α at the nucleotide level. Data will be analyzed and filtered using the in-house developed method.

Key advantages including but not limited to:

Long-read length option
No need of prior knowledge
No minimum number of samples
Advanced Magic™ TCR repertoire analysis platform

Scientists of Creative Biolabs have performed over hundreds of TCR repertoire sequencing projects and accumulated extensive experience in identifying invariant T cell. We are pleased to offer the best service with the most accurate results for our global customers.

For more detailed information, please feel free to contact us or directly send us an inquiry.

References

Van Schaik, B.; et al. Discovery of invariant T cells by next-generation sequencing of the human TCR α-chain repertoire. The Journal of Immunology. 2014, 193(10):5338-5344.
Kronenberg, M.; Zajonc, D.M. A 'GEM' of a cell. Nature immunology. 2013, 14(7):694-695.

All listed services and products are For Research Use Only. Do Not use in any diagnostic or therapeutic applications.

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