<p>In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a first oligonucleotide comprising the sequence of or derived from 5'-CTAGGGCGGGCGGGACTCACCTAC-3' or the nucleic acid sequence complementary thereto. The first oligonucleotide can be used with a nucleic acid of between 15 and 30 nucleotides that does not comprise the sequence of the first oligonucleotide and is found in the region from V beta to J beta of the V beta 13.1 gene in V beta 13.1 T cells, wherein the sequences of the oligonucleotide and the nucleic acid are not found on the same strand of the V beta 13.1 gene pair, to amplify a portion of the V beta 13.1 gene. Alternatively, the first oligonucleotide can be used with a labeling moiety in methods of detecting a LGRAGLTY motif found in T cell receptors of V beta 13.1 T cells. This motif is associated with autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Once the motif is detected, the autoimmune disease can be treated or its progress monitored. The autoimmune disease can be treated by administering a peptide comprising the LGRAGLTY motif.</p>
