Positive selection of antigen-specific T cells in thymus by restricting MHC molecules.
Thymus-derived lymphocytes (T cells) recognize antigen in the context of class I or class II molecules encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) by virtue of the heterodimeric alpha beta T-cell receptor (TCR). CD4 and CD8 molecules expressed on the surface of T cells bind to nonpolymorphic portions of class II and class I MHC molecules and assist the TCR in binding and possibly in signalling. The analysis of T-cell development in TCR transgenic mice has shown that the CD4/CD8 phenotype of T cells is determined by the interaction of the alpha beta TCR expressed on immature CD4+8+ thymocytes with polymorphic domains of thymic MHC molecules in the absence of nominal antigen. Here we provide direct evidence that positive selection of antigen-specific, class I MHC-restricted CD4-8+ T cells in the thymus requires the specific interaction of the alpha beta TCR with the restricting class I MHC molecule.
Kisielow
P
P
Basel Institute for Immunology, Switzerland.
Teh
H S
HS
Blüthmann
H
H
von Boehmer
H
H
D000818:Animals; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006183:H-2 Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D011828:Radiation Chimera; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D006183:H-2 Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell