Table 4 Advantages and disadvantages of the tested techniques

BGI

• Deep sequencing: more complete data

• Raw data and analysis provided by the company

• Company service: no hands-on work

• gDNA as starting material: better clonotype quantification

• Expensive compared to in-house methods

• Multiplex PCR amplification bias

• Limited PCR and sequencing errors correction

• gDNA as starting material: not final TCR product

5’RACE

• In-house method: control of all steps, relatively cheap

• No multiplex PCR bias

• Unique Molecular Identifiers: correction for PCR and sequencing errors

• Superficial sequencing: less diversity detected

• Not high-throughput: small sample number processed per time

iRepertoire®

• Kit: easy and fast hands-on (less than one day)

• De-multiplexing and basic data analysis made by the company. FASTA files provided

• Multiplex PCR amplification bias

• Limited PCR and sequencing errors correction