Some Hints Concerning the Shape of T‐Cell Receptor Structures

Several models are proposed for T‐cell antigen receptor (TCR) assembly and structure. However, there is little experimental data favouring directly either one or the other(s). The minimal complex appears to be composed of a TCRαβ/CD3δε,γε/ζ2 structure but at the cell membrane, multimers of this minimal structure may be formed. Quantitative cytofluometry has suggested three CD3ε chains for two TCRβ (or TCRδ) chains/complex. Such data should be repeated with monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) against extracellular (EC) parts of CD3δ or CD3γ chains. In the present review, we have compared the TCR/CD3 assembly of pre‐TCR, TCRγδ and TCRαβ containing complexes, and analysed the reactivity of antibodies (Abs) against the EC part of CD3δ chains. Our data suggest an alternative assembly pathway and structure of TCR/CD3 complexes.