Video - VDJ rearrangement

VDJ rearrangement is a process by which the genes responsible for encoding the variable region of the B-cell receptor and T-cell receptor are rearranged to create a diverse repertoire of receptors capable of recognizing a wide variety of antigens.

During VDJ rearrangement, DNA segments called V (variable), D (diversity), and J (joining) are rearranged to form the coding sequence for the receptor variable region. The process is mediated by recombination-activating genes (RAG1 and RAG2) and involves the introduction of double-strand breaks at specific recombination signal sequences (RSS) flanking the V, D, and J segments, followed by joining of the broken ends.

The resulting receptor variable region diversity is crucial for adaptive immunity, allowing the immune system to recognize and respond to a wide range of potential pathogens. However, errors in VDJ rearrangement can lead to autoimmune disease, immunodeficiency, or cancer.