T cell function and expression are dramatically altered in T cell receptor V gamma 1.1J gamma 4C gamma 4 transgenic mice.
We have characterized transgenic mice carrying a functional T cell receptor (TCR) C gamma 4 (V gamma 1.1J gamma 4C gamma 4) gene. Results indicate that active transcription of the C gamma 4 transgene can influence expression of the endogenous C gamma 4, C gamma 1 (V gamma 3-, V gamma 4-, V gamma 2-, or V gamma 5J gamma 1C gamma 1) and C gamma 2 (V gamma 1.2J gamma 2C gamma 2) genes, while the ultimate expression of other TCR delta, alpha, and beta chain genes, as well as the adult T cell response, are relatively unaltered. Cells expressing transgenic C gamma 4 and endogenous delta TCR transcripts can migrate to the skin as dendritic epithelial cells (DEC) even though C gamma 4 cells are rarely, if at all, found in the skin. Transgenic and control mice were compared at 2 weeks, 6-7 weeks, and older. At 2 weeks, the thymus of transgenic mice, particularly the medulla, was much larger than control. Moreover, peripheral lymphoid tissues of younger mice were markedly (as much as 100-fold) more immunoreactive (both Con A response and alloreactivity). These differences, although persistent, became smaller in older mice. The data suggest that transgene expression has a major effect on T cell development and reactivity.
Ferrick
D A
DA
Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Canada.
Sambhara
S R
SR
Ballhausen
W
W
Iwamoto
A
A
Pircher
H
H
Walker
C L
CL
Yokoyama
W M
WM
Miller
R G
RG
Mak
T W
TW
D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D003712:Dendrites / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D015334:Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic / Q000276:immunology*; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D007519:Isoantigens; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell