The case for allele-specific recognition by the TCR

Abstract

There is a sharp difference in how one views TCR structure-function behavior dependent on whether its recognition of MHC-encoded restriction elements (R) is germline selected or somatically generated. The generally accepted or Standard model is built on the assumption that recognition of R is by the V regions of the TCR, which is not driven by allele specificity, whereas the competing model posits that recognition of R is allele-specific. The establishing of allele-specific recognition of R by the TCR would rule out the Standard model and clear the road to a consideration of a competing construct, the Tritope model. Here the case for allele-specific recognition (germline selected) is detailed making it obvious that the Standard model is untenable.