Most gamma delta T cells develop normally in beta 2-microglobulin-deficient mice.
The specificity of T cells bearing gamma delta T-cell receptors (gamma delta+ T cells) is poorly characterized. Earlier studies suggest that like alpha beta+CD8+ T cells, some gamma delta+ T cells may recognize antigens associated with class I major histocompatibility complex molecules. alpha beta+CD8+ T cells are nearly absent in class I-deficient mice (mutant for beta 2-microglobulin), reflecting a requirement for intrathymic "positive selection" of these cells by class I molecules. Here, we examine whether the development of gamma delta+ T cells is altered in the beta 2-microglobulin mutant mice. We show that the cellularity, marker expression, repertoire, and functional competence of gamma delta+ T cells are not detectably deficient in beta 2-microglobulin mutant mice. We conclude that class I expression is unnecessary for the development of most gamma delta+ T cells.
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley 94720.
I
I
Correa
M
M
Bix
N S
NS
Liao
M
M
Zijlstra
R
R
Jaenisch
D
D
Raulet
D000818:Animals; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D004817:Epidermis / Q000276:immunology; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D015329:Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte; D005835:Genitalia / Q000276:immunology; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology*; D018800:Thy-1 Antigens; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000172:deficiency*
D000954:Antigens, Surface; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta; D018800:Thy-1 Antigens; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin