Differential expression of T cell receptor variable beta genes on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells: influence by sex linked genes?
We examined the expression of seven V alpha or V beta T cell receptor (TCR) segments on human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Confirming previously published results, we found a preferential expression of four V segment gene products on CD4+ T cells. One of these markers (V beta 6.7) was constantly expressed on more CD4+ T cells than CD8+ T cells. None of the analyzed blood samples showed a complete deletion of T cells expressing a particular V beta gene segment. In addition, our data provide the first evidence that genes on sex chromosomes may influence the formation of the human T cell repertoire. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells expressing V beta 12 gene products was always > or = 1 in female donors, whereas approximately 30% male donors exhibited more CD8+V beta 12+ T cells than CD4+V beta 12+ T cells.
Dannecker
G
G
Universitätskinderklinik, Abteilung II, Tübingen, Germany.
Mecheri
S
S
Heuser
M
M
Ihle
J
J
Hoffmann
M K
MK
Niethammer
D
D
D000328:Adult; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000235:genetics*; D012730:Sex Chromosomes; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets
D016827:CD8 Antigens; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta