Number of possible receptors (on lymphocyte) that can be constructed given the genetic mechanisms involved

Range B cells 1e+11: T cells 1e+16 receptors
Organism Unspecified
Reference Alan S. Perelson, Ge´rard Weisbuch, Immunology for physicists, Rev. Mod. Phys. 69, 1219–1268 (1997) p.1223 left column 2nd paragraph
Primary Source Berek C, Milstein C. The dynamic nature of the antibody repertoire. Immunol Rev. 1988 Oct105: 5-26. & Davis MM, Bjorkman PJ. T-cell antigen receptor genes and T-cell recognition. Nature. 1988 Aug 4 334(6181):395-402.PubMed ID3058579, 3043226
Comments "Current estimates of the potential repertoire, i.e., the number of possible receptors that can be constructed given the genetic mechanisms involved, are of the order of 10^11 for B cells (1st primary source) and 10^16 for T cells (2nd primary source)."
Entered by Uri M
ID 109931