T Cell receptor γ variable gene locus polymorphism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. We sought new susceptibility markers for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among the T cell receptor γ (TCRγ) genes. Methods. We analyzed restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) of the first variable subgroup of TCRγ genes in a group of French control subjects and a group of French RA patients. Results. No significant difference in Eco RI RFLP was found between the 2 study populations: Allele frequencies were virtually identical. There was no polymorphism using Hind III. Conclusion. These results exclude TCRV γI polymorphism as a disease susceptibility marker in RA.