Research paperRapid identification and expression of human TCRs in retrogenic mice

- Streamlined approach for sequencing and vector-based expression of human TCRs
- Efficient method for amplification of complete variable TCR regions from single cells
- Humanized TCR retrogenic (hu-Rg) mouse model for in vivo expression of human TCRs
- Hu-Rg mice support the in vivo development of T cells expressing a human TCR

Single-cell paired TCR identification is a powerful tool, but has been limited in its previous incompatibility with further functional analysis. The current protocol describes a method to clone and functionally evaluate in vivo TCRs derived from single antigen-responsive human T cells and monoclonal T cell lines. We have improved upon current PCR-based TCR sequencing protocols by developing primers that allow amplification of human TCRα and TCRβ variable regions, while incorporating specific restriction cut sites for direct subcloning into the template retroviral vector. This streamlined approach for generating human:mouse chimeric TCR vectors allows for rapid TCR expression in humanized-retrogenic (hu-Rg) mice through retroviral mediated stem cell gene transfer. Using widely available techniques and equipment, this method is easily adaptable by most laboratories. This is the first TCR identification protocol that is efficiently combined with subsequent in vivo TCR expression.