A molecular map of T cell development

Immunity. 1998 Aug;9(2):179-86. doi: 10.1016/s1074-7613(00)80600-7.

Abstract

Using a sensitive molecular marker for positive selection, the appearance of a particular functional TCR alpha chain sequence in cells from mice bearing a transgenic beta chain, we address several aspects of intrathymic T cell development. First, by examining specific TCR prior to and after maturation, we demonstrate how a restricted TCR repertoire is positively selected from a highly diverse immature TCR repertoire. Second, since this molecular marker is enriched in cells progressing toward the CD4 lineage and depleted in cells progressing toward the CD8 lineage, a map of the developmental pathway of alphabeta thymocytes can be inferred. Third, the first cells that show clear signs of positive intrathymic selection are identified.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / analysis
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / chemistry
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Immunization
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Lymphocyte Activation / genetics
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Molecular Probes
  • Peptides / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Thymus Gland / chemistry
  • Thymus Gland / cytology
  • Thymus Gland / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
  • CD69 antigen
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Molecular Probes
  • Peptides
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta