Natural killer cells carry the germ-line configuration of the T cell receptor delta chain gene and heterogeneously express six distinct delta transcripts.
Investigations on T cell receptor delta chain (TcR delta) gene expression in freshly isolated normal large granular lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cell clones and NK bulk cultures revealed six T delta transcripts (3.5, 3.1, 2.2, 2.0, 1.5 and 1.3 kb) which varied in number and relative abundance in the different samples. None of the six known T delta variable regions was expressed and the T delta locus was retained in its germ-line configuration. The origin and significance of these NK-associated T delta transcripts are discussed.
Carè
A
A
Department of Hematology-Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
Pelicci
P G
PG
Meccia
E
E
Fagioli
M
M
Testa
U
U
Ciccone
E
E
Moretta
A
A
Moretta
L
L
Peschle
C
C
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / Q000032:analysis; D017252:CD3 Complex; D015870:Gene Expression; D015329:Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D017252:CD3 Complex; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta