This transgene consists of a T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) that recognizes rat/mouse MOG peptide 92-106 bound to I-AS under the control of the MHC class I H2-Kb promoter. The TCR uses Valpha8.3 and Vbeta4 genes derived from a MOG-specific encephalitogenic Th1-CD4+ T cell clone isolated from a wild-type SJL/J mouse immunized against recombinant rat Mog. Three founder lines were established, differing in distinct proportions of transgenic Valpha8.3+/Vbeta4+ CD4+ T cells in central and peripheral immune repertoires. In the high frequency line 1640, 99% of single-positive CD4+CD8- thymocytes express the transgenic TCR.