Proportion, Function, and Generation of Dual Receptor Lymphocytes

The specific immune response mechanisms of B cells and T cells are centered on the classic clonal selection theory, which posits that “a single lymphocyte expresses only one type of antigen receptor.” This mechanism is primarily achieved through V(D)J allelic exclusion rearrangement on germline chromosomes and rigorous self‐tolerance selection. However, accumulating experimental evidence indicates that phenomena such as incomplete allelic exclusion rearrangement (i.e., allelic inclusion rearrangement), escape from central tolerance selection, and peripheral immune receptor editing can induce the generation of dual‐receptor lymphocytes, including “dual‐BCR B cells,” “dual‐TCR T cells,” and “TCR + BCR + lymphocytes.“ This article systematically reviews the research overview and recent advances in dual‐receptor lymphocytes in humans and mice under physiological and pathological conditions. By integrating theoretical model construction and validation results from immune molecular monitoring techniques, it emphasizes the proportional characteristics, biological effects, and possible origins of dual‐receptor lymphocytes. It also explores their association with disease development, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and novel research perspectives for in‐depth studies in this field.