Site‐specific recombination in the immune system 1

Abstract

Site‐specific DNA recombination has been identified in a wide variety of biological systems. In vertebrates, however, the only identified use of this genetic device is in the immune system. Here it plays a critical role in generating a diverse repertoire of surface receptors to intercept invading microbes and parasites. The mechanism and orchestration of this reaction are intriguing and are relevant to a broad array of related biological and biomedical issues.— Lieber, M. R. Site‐specific recombination in the immune system. FASEB J. 5: 2934‐2944; 1991.