T-Cell Receptor Gene Rearrangements Were Analyzed by PCR Using Forward

Multiple Choice

T-cell receptor gene rearrangements were analyzed by PCR using forward and reverse primers complementary to the V_1 and J_1 regions, respectively, of the T-cell receptor gene region. The products were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and bands visualized using ethidium bromide. The lane corresponding to the patient had a sharp band. All controls were acceptable. How is this result interpreted?

A) The patient has a monoclonal (monotypic) T-cell population.
B) The patient is normal and has polyclonal T cells.
C) This is a false positive because of amplification of immunoglobulin genes.
D) The assay should be repeated because the wrong primers were used.