Analysis of immature (CD4-CD8-) thymic subsets in T-cell receptor alpha beta transgenic mice.
Introduction of a transgenic alpha beta TCR (V alpha 2, V beta 8.1) specific for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), in the context of H-2Db into the genome of C57BL/6 mice, has many effects on the development and selection of T cells in both the thymus and the periphery. These mice produce increased numbers of CD4-8+ mature T cells, all of which express the transgenic TCR, and small numbers of CD4+8- cells using endogenous TCRs are also produced. This study follows the intrathymic development of T cells in these TCR alpha beta transgenic mice, in particular the earliest CD4-8- stages. As expected, the transgenic TCR is expressed on the cell surface at an earlier developmental stage than endogenous TCRs in nontransgenic littermate controls. Of the three major subsets expressing the heat-stable antigen (HSA), only the most mature, the CD25-CD44- expresses the transgenic TCR, and the earlier CD25-CD44+ and CD25+CD44- do not. Furthermore, in contrast to other TCR alpha beta transgenic lines, TCR gamma delta lineage cells appear to develop normally.
Wilson
A
A
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, Epalinges, Switzerland.
Pircher
H
H
Ohashi
P
P
MacDonald
H R
HR
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic / Q000276:immunology; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta