The transcriptional regulator Rel is essential for antigen receptor-mediated stimulation of mature T cells but dispensable for positive and negative selection of thymocytes and T cell apoptosis.
The family of Rel/NF-kappaB transcription factors is a crucial regulator of various cellular responses. Using Rel-deficient (c-rel-/-) mice crossed with T cell receptor (TCR)-transgenic mice we show that Rel is neither required for positive selection of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted T cells nor for deletion of thymocytes bearing autoreactive antigen receptors. Our studies also demonstrate that Rel is dispensable for T lymphocyte apoptosis. Rel is, however, essential for antigen-induced activation of mature T cells and its absence exacerbates the anergic state. These results indicate that thymocytes and mature T cells differ in their requirement for Rel in mediating TCR-induced responses.
Strasser
A
A
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia. strasser@wehi.edu.au
Grumont
R J
RJ
Stanley
M L
ML
Gerondakis
S
S
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology*; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D017635:Clonal Anergy; D005260:Female; D007518:Isoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D020569:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-rel; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D017252:CD3 Complex; C051256:H-Y antibody; D007518:Isoantibodies; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D020569:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-rel; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D014157:Transcription Factors