Differentiation of an immature T cell line: a model of thymic positive selection.
Thymocyte differentiation is dependent upon recognition of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on thymic stroma, a process called positive selection. Here we describe an immature CD4+8+ T cell line derived from a TCR transgenic mouse that differentiates into CD4+8- cells in response to antigen and nonthymic antigen-presenting cells. When injected intrathymically, these cells differentiate in the absence of antigen. The ability of immature T cells to recognize MHC molecules in the absence of foreign antigen in the thymus can thus be attributed to a unique property of thymic antigen-presenting cells. These studies also demonstrate the phenotypic and functional changes associated with TCR-mediated T cell maturation and establish an in vitro model system of positive selection.
Kaye
J
J
Department of Immunology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037.
Ellenberger
D L
DL
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000166:cytology; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002460:Cell Line; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D008954:Models, Biological; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology*
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens