Mouse γδ TCR+NK1.1+ thymocytes specifically produce interleukin-4, are major histocompatibility complex class I independent,and are developmentally related to αβ TCR+NK1.1+ thymocytes |
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Authors: | Alain P Vicari Simonetta Mocci Peter Openshaw Anne O'Garra Albert Zlotnik |
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Abstract: | Mouse T cells co-expressing an αβ T cell receptor (TCR) and the NK1.1 antigen have been shown to be major interleukin (IL)-4-producing cells and could therefore regulate cell-mediated immune responses. We have identified a related subset of thymocytes co-expressing a γδ TCR and NK1.1 which also produce IL-4. Unlike αβ+NK1.1+ thymocytes, the selection of γδ+NK1.1+ thymocytes is not dependent upon β2-microglobulin (β2m)-associated class I molecule expression because these cells are present in β2m-deficient mice. This suggests that γδ+NK1.1+ T cells may regulate immune responses to a different variety of antigens. However, the development of αβ+NK1.1+ and αβ+NK1.1+ thymocytes appears to be related. Analysis of different mutant mice lacking αβ+NK1.1+ thymocytes revealed a specific increase in γδ+NK1.1+ thymocyte production when the block in αβ+NK1.1+ thymocyte differentiation occurs after β TCR rearrangement. |
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Keywords: | α β T cell NK1 1 antigen Interleukin-4 Thymus Major histocompatibility complex class I |
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