The pre-T-cell antigen receptor (pre-TCR), expressed by immature thymocytes, has a pivotal role in early T-cell development, including TCR beta-selection, survival and proliferation of CD4(-)CD8(-) double-negative thymocytes, and subsequent alpha/beta T-cell lineage differentiation [1]. This protein contains an immunoglobulin domain [1].

1: The structural basis for autonomous dimerization of the pre-T-cell antigen receptor. Pang SS, Berry R, Chen Z, Kjer-Nielsen L, Perugini MA, King GF, Wang C, Chew SH, La Gruta NL, Williams NK, Beddoe T, Tiganis T, Cowieson NP, Godfrey DI, Purcell AW, Wilce MC, McCluskey J, Rossjohn J; Nature. 2010;467:844-848. PMID:20944746

2: Cloning and comparative analysis of the human pre-T-cell receptor alpha-chain gene. Del Porto P, Bruno L, Mattei MG, von Boehmer H, Saint-Ruf C; Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1995;92:12105-12109. PMID:8618853