Human thymocyte maturation in vitro: a flow cytometric analysis.
Using an in vitro culture system, light scatter analyses, and two-color flow cytometry, we provide evidence that the interleukin-2 (IL-2) and transferrin receptors can be induced within 48 hr on nonproliferating immature thymocytes. The thymocytes (greater than 35%) that expressed the transferrin and IL-2 receptors demonstrated nuclear activation as measured by log 90 degrees light scatter analysis. Increases in antigen-receptor-associated T3-antigen expression followed transferrin and IL-2-receptor induction and occurred on maximally activated T4+T8+ thymocytes on Day 3 of culture. Maximal T3 expression did not occur until Days 5-7 and paralleled loss of T4, T8 coexpression, suggesting an association between a mature T3-Ti antigen receptor complex and a mature T4, T8 phenotype.
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology*
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin