Cellular and matrix interactions during the development of T lymphocytes.
The thymus contains an extensive extracellular matrix. Although thymocytes express integrins capable of binding to matrix molecules, the functional significance of the matrix for T cell development is uncertain. We have shown that the matrix is associated with thymic fibroblasts which are required for the CD44+ CD25+ stage of double negative (CD4-8-) thymocyte development. The survival of cells at this stage is dependent on IL-7 and we propose that the role of fibroblasts is to present, via the matrix, IL-7 to developing T cells.
Owen
J J
JJ
Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK. d.jones.1@bham.ac.uk
McLoughlin
D E
DE
Suniara
R K
RK
Jenkinson
E J
EJ
D004847:Epithelial Cells; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D005347:Fibroblasts; D007376:Interleukin-2; D015851:Interleukin-7; D013601:T-Lymphocytes; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology
D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D007376:Interleukin-2; D015851:Interleukin-7