Speculation on the lineage relationships among CD4(-)8(+) gut-derived T cells and their role(s).
The thymus-independent T lymphopoietic capacity of the murine intestinal mucosa has been established. Cryptopatches have now been identified as the location of the elusive precursors for gut-derived T cells. These cryptopatch cells have been shown to give rise to intestinal T cells expressing either TCRgammadelta or TCRalphabeta. Here we discuss the role of MHC in the development and selection of gut-derived T cells. Through the analysis of iIEL selection in animals expressing a transgenic TCRalphabeta, in the presence or absence of p56(lck), we discuss lineage relationships among CD4(-)8(+) iIEL subsets, and their possible function(s).
Poussier
P
P
Department of Medicine, The Arthritis and Immune Disorder Research Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada.
Julius
M
M
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D019070:Cell Lineage / Q000276:immunology; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology*; D051379:Mice