title: Phenotypic characterization of CD3-7+ cells in developing human intestine and an analysis of their ability to differentiate into T cells.
abstract: We have identified a large population of CD3(-)7(+) cells in human fetal gut. Three- and four-color flow cytometry revealed a distinct surface Ag profile on this population; the majority were negative for CD4 and CD8, whereas most of the remainder expressed the CD8alphaalpha homodimer. In contrast about half of CD3(+) cells expressed CD4 and half expressed CD8alpha. A large proportion of CD3(-)7(+) cells expressed CD56, CD94, and CD161, and whereas CD3(+) T cells also expressed CD161, they only rarely expressed CD56 or CD94. Further studies were conducted to determine whether the CD3(-)7(+) cells have the potential to differentiate into CD3(+) cells. About half of CD3(-)7(+) cells contain intracellular CD3epsilon. Rearranged TCR gamma-chains were detected in highly purified CD3(-)7(+) cells as an early molecular sign of T cell commitment, and the pattern of rearrangement with V regions spliced to the most 5' Jgamma segment is reminiscent of early thymocyte differentiation. In reaggregate thymic organ cultures, CD3(-)7(+) cells also gave rise to CD3(+) T cells. Thus, we demonstrate that the CD3(-)7(+) cells present in the human fetal gut display a distinct phenotype and are able to develop into CD3(+) T cells.
authors.affiliation: Divisions of.
authors.forename: Ute
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Gunther
authors.forename: Judith A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Holloway
authors.forename: John N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: John G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Knight
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Chance
authors.forename: Neil A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Hanley
authors.forename: David I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: French
authors.forename: Jo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.forename: Howard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Steer
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Thomas T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: MacDonald
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology; D019011:Antigens, CD7 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000276:immunology; D003106:Colon / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D005333:Fetus; D015334:Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor; D006801:Humans; D007082:Ileum / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D007424:Intracellular Fluid / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000096:biosynthesis; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D019011:Antigens, CD7; D017252:CD3 Complex; C115335:CD3E protein, human; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic