Pre-TCR/CD3 and TCR/CD3 complexes: decamers with differential signalling properties?

Currently, the favoured model for the structure of the T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex proposes a monovalent TCR alpha beta/CD3 gamma epsilon delta epsilon zeta zeta octameric complex. However, other biochemical, structure al and functional data point to a bivalent (TCR alpha beta)(2)/CD3 gamma epsilon delta epsilon zeta zeta decameric organization, which hits a favourable neutral transmembrane net charge within the complex. Here, Heinz Jacobs proposes it model for the organization of the pre-TCR and discusses its function in signal transduction.