MTS-32 monoclonal antibody defines CD4+8- thymocyte subsets that differ in their maturation level, lymphokine secretion, and selection patterns.
We have previously described MTS-32 as identifying an Ag on both thymic stromal cells and thymocytes. In contrast with CD4+8+ and CD4-8+ thymocytes, of which the vast majority are MTS-32+, a notable subset of CD4+8- thymocytes is MTS-32-. Here we show that with regard to heat-stable Ags, Qa-2, and CD69 expression CD4+8- MTS-32- thymocytes are phenotypically enriched in mature cells when compared with their MTS-32+ counterparts. Moreover, sorted CD4+8- MTS-32+ thymocytes are unable to respond to anti-CD3 cross-linking, whereas MTS-32- CD4+8- thymocytes respond to the same stimulus by producing IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IFN-gamma, and trace amounts of IL-2. In addition, MTS-32- CD4+8- and CD4-8- TCR-alpha beta+ thymocytes differ in their TCR V beta repertoire on a Mls-1a selecting background. We therefore suggest that the MTS-32 ligand is involved in signals consecutive with TCR recognition in the thymus, i.e., selection, activation, and lymphokine production.
Vicari
A
A
INSERM U 345, Necker Institute, Paris, France.
Abehsira-Amar
O
O
Papiernik
M
M
Boyd
R L
RL
Tucek
C L
CL
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum; D017252:CD3 Complex; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D005260:Female; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008811:Mice, Inbred DBA; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000235:genetics; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum; D017252:CD3 Complex; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D008222:Lymphokines; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta