Evidence for a selective and multi-step model of T cell differentiation: CD4+CD8low thymocytes selected by a transgenic T cell receptor on major histocompatibility complex class I molecules |
| |
Authors: | Hanspeter Pircher Pamela S Ohashi Richard L Boyd Hans Hengartner Karin Brduscha |
| |
Abstract: | We have characterized a prominent (15-20 %) thymocyte population expressing CD4 at a high and CD8 at a low level “CD4+8lo” in mice transgenic for a T cell receptor “TCR” restricted by major histocompatibility complex “MHC” class I molecules. The results demonstrate that the CD4+8lo population is an intermediate stage between immature CD4+8+ and end-stage CD4+8- thymocytes and that the survival of these cells crucially depends on the successful interaction of the transgenic TCR with self MHC class I molecules. In addition we demonstrate that the avidity of the interaction between TCR and self MHC class I molecules determines whether CD4+8lo thymocytes are found in significant numbers in this transgenic model. Our findings support a selective and multi-step model of T cell differentiation in the thymus. |
| |
Keywords: | Thymocytes T cell receptor transgenic mice Lineage commitment |
|