PCR-based analysis of the TCR repertoire in human autoimmune diseases.

Characterization of T cells at sites of autoimmune damage has been difficult. Now, however, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods are being used to analyse T-cell receptor (TCR) gene expression in such lesions. Here, Christopher Marguerie, Claudio Lunardi and Alex So summarize and interpret the most recent findings and describe the current understanding of TCR usage in autoimmune diseases.