p38 MAP kinase activity modulates alpha beta T cell development.
Reciprocal interactions between bone marrow derived precursor cells and the thymic environment lead to the generation of the complete repertoire of diverse and functional T cells. We have previously shown that p38 MAP kinase is activated in response to intrathymic signals in thymocytes. In this report we provide evidence that p38 MAP kinase activity is essential for pre-TCR-mediated transition of thymocytes from the CD4- CD8- to the CD4+ CD8+ stage of development. In the absence of p38 MAP kinase activity differentiation of alpha beta T cells, but not gamma delta T cells, was blocked.
Mulroy
T
T
Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Sen
J
J
D000818:Animals; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000032:analysis; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000502:physiology*; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000032:analysis*; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000032:analysis; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases