Determining γδ versus αß T cell development.
The thymus produces several types of functionally distinct T cell subsets. However, at a more fundamental level only two genetically distinct T cell lineages exist: the γδ and αß T cell lineages. Precisely how these two T cell lineages are generated from common thymocyte progenitor cells remains to be fully elucidated and is under intense investigation. Here, we highlight recent findings that have helped to provide important clues to the mechanisms that underpin the generation of γδ T cells in the mouse thymus.
Ciofani
Maria
M
Molecular Pathogenesis Program, The Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine of the Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.
Zúñiga-Pflücker
Juan Carlos
JC
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology*; D019070:Cell Lineage / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000276:immunology*; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology
D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta