The defense mechanism of our adaptive immune system relies on the antigen-recognition abilities of two molecules: T cell receptors (TCRs), attached to the surface of T cells, and immunoglobins (Igs), anchored to and secreted by B cells. These molecules are equipped with pockets that bind with remarkable selectivity to a specific antigen. Our bodies maintain an estimated 1014 specificities for Igs and a whopping 1018 for TCRs. Considering our entire genome harbors approximately 105 genes, how is this diversity achieved?..Read more