A large subpopulation of avian T cells express a homologue of the mammalian T gamma/delta receptor.
This report describes an avian TCR molecule, TCR1, whose molecular characteristics, signal-transducing property, and tissue distribution suggest that it is a homologue of the mammalian TCR-gamma/delta. TCR1+ cells are the first to be generated in the thymus during ontogeny, preceding other T3+ cells by approximately 3 d. Unlike their mammalian counterpart, TCR1+ cells constitute a relatively large subpopulation of peripheral T cells in mature chickens. These results suggest a phylogenetically important role for this receptor in T cell development and function.
Sowder
J T
JT
Cellular Immunobiology Unit, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294.
Chen
C L
CL
Ager
L L
LL
Chan
M M
MM
Cooper
M D
MD
D000818:Animals; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002642:Chick Embryo; D002645:Chickens / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010641:Phenotype; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000032:analysis / Q000145:classification* / Q000378:metabolism; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell