A molecular map of T cell development.
Using a sensitive molecular marker for positive selection, the appearance of a particular functional TCR alpha chain sequence in cells from mice bearing a transgenic beta chain, we address several aspects of intrathymic T cell development. First, by examining specific TCR prior to and after maturation, we demonstrate how a restricted TCR repertoire is positively selected from a highly diverse immature TCR repertoire. Second, since this molecular marker is enriched in cells progressing toward the CD4 lineage and depleted in cells progressing toward the CD8 lineage, a map of the developmental pathway of alphabeta thymocytes can be inferred. Third, the first cells that show clear signs of positive intrathymic selection are identified.
Sant'Angelo
D B
DB
Section of Immunology, Yale University School of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8011, USA. derek.santangelo@yale.edu
Lucas
B
B
Waterbury
P G
PG
Cohen
B
B
Brabb
T
T
Goverman
J
J
Germain
R N
RN
Janeway
C A
CA
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / Q000032:analysis; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D007114:Immunization; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D015335:Molecular Probes; D010455:Peptides / Q000276:immunology; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D000099192:CD69 Antigens
D015703:Antigens, CD; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D015335:Molecular Probes; D010455:Peptides; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D000099192:CD69 Antigens