Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of treating and monitoring multiple sclerosis by utilizing T-cell receptors peptides. In particular, nucleic acids and peptide sequences of T-cell receptors found in a population of MS patients are provided, along with compositions comprising such TCR peptides for use in, e.g., vaccines.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a first oligonucleotide comprising the sequence of or derived from 5′-CTAGGGCGGGCGGGACTCACCTAC-3′or the nucleic acid sequence complementary thereto. The first oligonucleotide can be used with a nucleic acid of between 15 and 30 nucleotides that does not comprise the sequence of the first oligonucleotide and is found in the region from V&bgr; to J&bgr; of the V&bgr;13.1 gene in V&bgr;13.1 T cells, wherein the sequences of the oligonucleotide and the nucleic acid are not found on the same strand of the V&bgr;13.1 gene pair, to amplify a portion of the V&bgr;13.1 gene. Alternatively, the first oligonucleotide can be used with a labeling moiety in methods of detecting a LGRAGLTY motif found in T cell receptors of V&bgr;13.1 T cells. This motif is associated with autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Once the motif is detected, the autoimmune disease can be treated or its progress monitored.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a first oligonucleotide comprising the sequence of or derived from 5′-CTAGGGCGGGCGGGACTCACCTAC-3′ or the nucleic acid sequence complementary thereto. The first oligonucleotide can be used with a nucleic acid of between 15 and 30 nucleotides that does not comprise the sequence of the first oligonucleotide and is found in the region from V&bgr; to J&bgr; of the V&bgr;13.1 gene in V&bgr;13.1 T cells, wherein the sequences of the oligonucleotide and the nucleic acid are not found on the same strand of the V&bgr;13.1 gene pair, to amplify a portion of the V&bgr;13.1 gene. Alternatively, the first oligonucleotide can be used with a labeling moiety in methods of detecting a LGRAGLTY motif found in T cell receptors of V&bgr;13.1 T cells. This motif is associated with autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Once the motif is detected, the autoimmune disease can be treated or its progress monitored.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a first oligonucleotide comprising the sequence of or derived from 5′-CTAGGGCGGGCGGGACTCACCTAC-3′ or the nucleic acid sequence complementary thereto. The first oligonucleotide can be used with a nucleic acid of between 15 and 30 nucleotides that does not comprise the sequence of the first oligonucleotide and is found in the region from V&bgr; to J&bgr; of the V&bgr;13.1 gene in V&bgr;13.1 T cells, wherein the sequences of the oligonucleotide and the nucleic acid are not found on the same strand of the V&bgr;13.1 gene pair, to amplify a portion of the V&bgr;13.1 gene. Alternatively, the first oligonucleotide can be used with a labeling moiety in methods of detecting a LGRAGLTY motif found in T cell receptors of V&bgr;13.1 T cells. This motif is associated with autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Once the motif is detected, the autoimmune disease can be treated or its progress monitored.