StemBook

The [TG]TCR-OT-II.2a/RAG1[KO] line is homozygous for a transgene that encodes a T-cell receptor specific for chicken ovalbumin 323-339 presented by the MHC class II molecule I-Ab. The OT-II.2a transgene is autosomal in contrast to a second subline in which the transgene is located on the Y chromosome. It is also deficient in the Rag1 gene (recombinase reactivating gene 1) and therefore does not develop endogenous mature T or B cells. Virtually all peripheral CD4+ cells express the two transgenes. These mice are useful as a source of homogeneous donor CD4+ T cells for in vivo adoptive transfer studies to investigate T cell development, activation, memory and tolerance. They can be used in conjunction with the [TG]TCR-OTI/RAG1[KO] CD8+ T cells, specific for chicken ovalbumin 257-264 presented by the MHC class I molecule H-2Kb , as a pair of helper and CTL T cells reactive against the same antigen.