Evidence for a selective and multi-step model of T cell differentiation: CD4+CD8low thymocytes selected by a transgenic T cell receptor on major histocompatibility complex class I molecules.
We have characterized a prominent (15-20%) thymocyte population expressing CD4 at a high and CD8 at a low level (CD4+8lo) in mice transgenic for a T cell receptor (TCR) restricted by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. The results demonstrate that the CD4+8lo population is an intermediate stage between immature CD4+8+ and end-stage CD4+8- thymocytes and that the survival of these cells crucially depends on the successful interaction of the transgenic TCR with self MHC class I molecules. In addition we demonstrate that the avidity of the interaction between TCR and self MHC class I molecules determines whether CD4+8lo thymocytes are found in significant numbers in this transgenic model. Our findings support a selective and multi-step model of T cell differentiation in the thymus.
Pircher
H
H
Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Switzerland.
Ohashi
P S
PS
Boyd
R L
RL
Hengartner
H
H
Brduscha
K
K
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006183:H-2 Antigens / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008811:Mice, Inbred DBA; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development
D016827:CD8 Antigens; D006183:H-2 Antigens; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta