Phenotypic characterization of CD3-7+ cells in developing human intestine and an analysis of their ability to differentiate into T cells.
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.
Gunther
Ute
U
Divisions of.
Holloway
Judith A
JA
Gordon
John N
JN
Gordon
John G
JG
Knight
Andrea
A
Chance
Victoria
V
Hanley
Neil A
NA
Wilson
David I
DI
French
Ruth
R
Spencer
Jo
J
Steer
Howard
H
Anderson
Graham
G
MacDonald
Thomas T
TT
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
D019011:Antigens, CD7; D017252:CD3 Complex; C115335:CD3E protein, human; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic