Nucleotide sequence coding for variable regions of β chains of human T lymphocyte receptors, corresponding peptide segments and the diagnostic and therapeutic uses

1. An isolated antibody, or an antigen binding fragment thereof, directed against an antigenic determinant of a Vβ peptide encoded by a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of:

nucleotides 54 to 395 of SEQ ID NO: 3,

nucleotides 18 to 329 of SEQ ID NO: 4, and

nucleotides 28 to 366 of SEQ ID NO: 5,

wherein the antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, specifically binds to the Vβ peptide.

2. The antibody or an antigen binding fragment of claim 1 , which is a monoclonal antibody or an antigen binding fragment thereof.

3. The antigen binding fragment of claim 2 , wherein the fragment is selected from the group consisting of a Fab fragment, a Fab′ fragment, and a (Fab′) 2 fragment.

4. A diagnostic composition comprising the monoclonal antibody of claim 2 .

5. A diagnostic composition comprising the antigen binding fragment of claim 3 .

6. A therapeutic composition comprising the monoclonal antibody of claim 2 .

7. A therapeutic composition comprising the antigen binding fragment of claim 3 .

8. The therapeutic composition of claim 6 , wherein the composition further comprises a cytotoxic molecule or a radio-isotope.

9. The therapeutic composition of claim 7 , wherein the composition further comprises a cytotoxic molecule or a radio-isotope.

10. A composition comprising the monoclonal antibody or antigen binding fragment of claim 2 , and one or more anti-CD3 antibodies.

11. A composition comprising the antigen binding fragment of claim 3 , and one or more anti-CD3 antibodies.