A new HLA-linked T cell membrane molecule, related to the beta chain of the clonotypic receptor, is associated with T3.

Abstract

The 38 kD molecule is noncovalently associated with beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2m)-free HLA heavy chain-like molecule, and thus forms a second heterodimer distinct from the clonotypic alpha/beta T cell receptor expressed by the same clone of leukemia cells. This second heterodimer (38 kD/HLA) is variably expressed and appears to be associated with the T3 molecule. We suggest, therefore, that it has a functional role in T cell activation.