Question

If the beta chain successfully (productively) rearranged, produced a functional pre T cell receptor and the alpha chain now begins to rearrange, can the cell still differentiate into a gamma/delta T cell? If yes or no, why?

Answer 1

Despite the beta chain rearrangement leading to the production of a pre T-cell receptor and the beginning of the alpha chain, the gamma or delta T-cell is able to differentiate. The initial rearrangement of the beta chain is important and hence it helps in infusing clonal selectivity and makes the receptors specific for a particular type of antigen. The rearrangement means that the receptors produced are preparing to be more selective in nature and they are able to specifically recognize a type of antigen. This can also be considered as productive rearrangement and hence with the rearrangement it helps in the expression of the T-cell receptor with particular specificity.