Diversity of Lymphocyte Antigen Receptors Variable region of antigen receptor encoded by sets of gene segments During lymphocyte development somatic gene rearrangement create unique combinations of gene segments Once recombinant events have occurred,further rearrangement is prohibited Receptor specificity of a lymphocyte cannot change Each lymphocyte bears many copies of the unique receptor At least 108 different lymphocytes in an individualDiversity of Lymphocyte Antigen Receptors ◼ Variable region of antigen receptor encoded by sets of gene segments ◼ During lymphocyte development somatic gene rearrangement create unique combinations of gene segments ◼ Once recombinant events have occurred, further rearrangement is prohibited ◼ Receptor specificity of a lymphocyte cannot change ◼ Each lymphocyte bears many copies of the unique receptor ◼ At least 108 different lymphocytes in an individual