Investigate diversity, clonality and changes in the T-cell repertoire or single TCR clones
Located on the surface of T-cells, the T-cell receptor (TCR) is relevant for the recognition of antigens presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on antigen-presenting cells. Through somatic rearrangements T-cells express a broad range of unique receptors. These highly diverse heterodimers are mostly composed of two subunits, the α and β chains and to a low percentage of γ and δ chains.
The TCR α and γ chains are generated by V/J recombination (random rearrangement of the variable (V) and joining (J) genes). β and δ chains are generated by V/J/D recombination, where diversity (D) genes are included in addition.
In response to antigen recognition the individual TCR repertoire is shaped by VDJ recombination. This results in an extremely diverse complementary-determining region 3 (CDR3). This region is an attractive target to assess the overall TCR repertoire diversity, given that it is thought to be unique to each TCR- ß variant.
CeGaT´s TCR sequencing service offers the ability to investigate almost the entirety of the T-cell repertoire. We provide our customers with information about diversity, clonality as well as changes in the repertoire or single TCR clones (TCR clone tracking) for different time points.
Investigation of TCR repertoire can provide:
- Insights into functions of T-cells in immune response, e.g. immunosuppression
- Monitoring drug therapies, such as immunotherapies in cancer as well as the related change in T cell status
- Improvement of personalized medicine by tumor-infiltrating T-cell analysis
Turnaround time
Sequencing data are delivered within 20 – 30 working days.
A fast track option is available upon request.
The turnaround time (TAT) highly depends on the provided specimen or the quality of DNA and RNA and the requested bioinformatics.
Delivery
Your sequencing data will be available for download from our server.
Upon request, as well as for large sample batches, data can also be delivered via external hard drive, or upload to your own server.
Storage
The original samples and, if applicable, the isolated nucleic acids will be stored at CeGaT for a period of 3 months after data delivery.
Data will be stored for 5 months.
Explore our TCR product portfolio
TCR DNA
Sample type
Sorted cells, PBMCs, whole blood, Fresh frozen tissue, FFPE tissue
Species
Human
Target
DNA
Target chain
Beta (CDR3)
Sequencing technology
Illumina
Output
2 M clusters
Deliverables
Project report, FASTQ files, reconstructed TCR clones with frequencies
Bioinformatics
TCR sequencing includes basic data analysis. Advanced bioinformatic options are available on request.
TCR RNA
Sample type
Sorted cells, PBMCs, whole blood, Fresh frozen tissue, FFPE tissue
Species
Human
Target
RNA
Target chain
Beta (CDR3)
Sequencing technology
Illumina
Output
2 M clusters
Deliverables
Project report, FASTQ files, reconstructed TCR clones with frequencies
Bioinformatics
TCR sequencing includes basic data analysis. Advanced bioinformatic options are available on request.
TCR: T-Cell Receptor
Bioinformatics
Raw sequencing data are automatically processed in order to facilitate immediate genetic evaluation. Included in delivery are demultiplexed, and adapter trimmed FASTQ files.
Basic bioinformatic analysis for each project includes:
- Reconstruction of TCR clones
- CDR3 identification
- Clonality and diversity estimation
- Detailed project report
Further options for bioinformatic analyses are available on request such as:
- Clone tracking
- Repertoire changes across different time points
Technical Information
We offer our clients T-cell receptor sequencing of the CD3 region of the TCR beta chain.
Choose your target to be examined on DNA and/or RNA level.
- With TCR DNA the determination of relative abundance of clonotypes (sensitive quantification) is possible
- TCR RNA enables the detection of expression levels of the repertoire
At CeGaT, paired-end sequencing (2 x 100 bp) is performed using state-of-the-art Illumina NovaSeq 6000 Sequencing Systems.
If you require sequencing parameters other than those presented in our product portfolio, please let us know! We can provide further solutions.
Contact Us
Start Your Project Now
We are happy to discuss sequencing options and to find a solution specifically tailored to your clinical study or research project.
When getting in contact, please specify sample information including starting material, number of samples, preferred library prep option, preferred sequencing depth and required bioinformatics, if possible.
Further Reading
