SUMMARY A limited set of T cell receptor (TCR) variable (V) gene segments are used to create a repertoire of TCRs that recognize all major histocompatibility complex (MHC) ligands within a species. How individual αβTCRs are constructed to specifically recognize a limited set of MHC ligands is unclear. Here we have identified a role for the differential paring of particular V gene segments in creating TCRs that recognized MHC class II ligands exclusively, or cross-reacted with classical and non-classical MHC class I ligands. Biophysical and structural experiments indicated TCR specificity for MHC ligands is not driven by germline encoded pairwise interactions. Rather, identical TCRβ chains can have altered peptide-MHC (pMHC) binding modes when paired with different TCRα chains. The ability of TCR chain pairing to modify how V region residues interact with pMHC helps to explain how the same V genes are used to create TCRs specific for unique MHC ligands.

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Background: HLA-DM-mediated peptide exchange is a key factor in epitope selection, but how HLA-DM selects peptides for editing is not known. Results: Peptide complexes sensitive to HLA-DM editing exhibited conformational alterations. Conclusion: HLA-DM efficiently identifies unstable complexes by sensing MHCII-peptide conformations. Significance: These data emphasize HLA-DM as a conformational editor and provide novel mechanistic insight into its function.