Molecular mechanisms and selection influence the generation of the human V lambda J lambda repertoire.

To define the lambda light chain repertoire in humans, a single-cell PCR technique using genomic DNA obtained from individual peripheral B cells was employed. Of the 30 known functional V lambda genes, 23 were detected in either the nonproductive or productive repertoires. Specific V lambda genes, including 2A2, 2B2, 1G, and 4B, were overexpressed in the nonproductive repertoire, whereas some V lambda genes, such as 3R, 2A2, 2B2, 1C, 1G, and 1B,...