Immunorepertoires

The term **immunorepertoire** refers to the collective set of antigen receptors expressed by the adaptive immune system, which includes T cells and B cells. These receptors are generated through a process of somatic recombination and diversification, enabling the immune system to recognize and respond to a vast array of pathogens. The repertoire is dynamic, constantly adapting to new threats through mechanisms such as affinity maturation and clonal expansion.

In B cells, the immunorepertoire is represented by immunoglobulin (antibody) molecules, which bind to specific antigens with high affinity. These antibodies can neutralize pathogens, mark them for destruction, or facilitate immune responses. The diversity of the antibody repertoire is achieved through processes like V(D)J recombination in gene segments and somatic hypermutation, which introduce variability into the antibody sequences.

T cells, on the other hand, express T cell receptors (TCRs) that recognize antigen fragments presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. Unlike antibodies, TCRs primarily recognize peptide antigens rather than whole proteins. The TCR repertoire is similarly diverse, allowing T cells to target a wide range of intracellular and extracellular pathogens.

The study of the immunorepertoire is crucial for understanding immune responses, vaccine design, and the development of immunotherapies. Techniques such as next-generation sequencing have enabled detailed mapping of the repertoire, revealing insights into immune function, disease susceptibility, and the effects of infections or medical interventions. Variations in the repertoire can influence immune efficacy, contributing to differences in susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases.