The Rearranging Genes for Immunoglobulins and T-Cell Receptors

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) is a DNA polymerase active during the process of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangement early in a precursor B or T cell s life. Only normal early B and T lymphoblasts mark for TdT. The staining pattern is nuclear. TdT is a sensitive and specific antibody for lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia because only a small proportion of myeloid leukemia cases are positive (Fig. 6.13). 

Genes both for immunoglobulins and for the T-cell receptors of the adaptive system undergo extensive rearrangement during development of an individual. 

While the innate immune system provides for immediate and direct attack on invaders, it also provides information to the slower adaptive system. Genes both for immunoglobulins and for the T-cell receptors of the adaptive system imdergo extensive rearrangement during development of an individual. 

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