An analysis of alpha/beta TCR V gene expression in the human thymus.
We have previously analysed alpha/beta T cell receptor (TCR) V gene usage in CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations from human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and umbilical cord blood, and described a biased usage of some of the TCR V beta genes towards the CD4+ subpopulation. In this report, the TCR V gene usage in single positive (SP) CD4+ or CD8+ human thymocytes was analysed. Three previously described mAb with a biased usage in PBL and umbilical cord blood also had a skewed reactivity towards the CD4+ subpopulation in SP human thymocytes. Thus, in all 12 cases V beta 5.1 and V beta 6.7, and in 11/12 cases V beta 12 were preferentially used in the CD4+CD8-, compared to the CD4-CD8+ thymic subpopulation. Altogether, these results suggest a selection process in the thymus, supposedly through the positive influence of MHC class II determinants, to be responsible for this non-random, skewed TCR V gene usage.
Grunewald
J
J
Department of Immunology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Shankar
N
N
Wigzell
H
H
Janson
C H
CH
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000235:genetics*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta