Quantification of V(D)J recombination by real-time quantitative PCR

B and T lymphocytes have the unique capacity to somatically rearrange their antigen receptor loci through V(D)J recombination. D-JH and VH-DJH recombination events are usually visualized by semi-quantitative PCR followed by detection of end products, which is time consuming and requires the use of hazardous elements. Additionally, it necessitates relatively large amounts of genomic DNA which could be limiting when the cell populations of interest are rare. Here, we describe a real-time quantitative PCR assay for a fast quantification of V(D)J recombination events at the IgH locus.