Restoration of T cell development in RAG-2-deficient mice by functional TCR transgenes

Y Shinkai, S Koyasu, K Nakayama, KM Murphy… - Science, 1993 - science.org
Y Shinkai, S Koyasu, K Nakayama, KM Murphy, DY Loh, EL Reinherz, FW Alt
Science, 1993science.org
Introduction of TCRα transgene, TCRβ transgene, or both into RAG-2-/-mice differentially
rescues T cell development. RAG-2-/-mice have small numbers of TCR-CD4-CD8-(double
negative, DN) thymocytes that express CD3γδε and ζ proteins intracellularly. Introduction of
a TCRβ transgene, but not a TCRα transgene, into the RAG-2-/-background restored normal
numbers of thymocytes. These cells were CD4+ CD8+ (double positive, DP) and expressed
small amounts of surface TCRβ chain dimers in association with CD3γδε but not ζ. RAG-2 …
Introduction of TCRα transgene, TCRβ transgene, or both into RAG-2-/-mice differentially rescues T cell development. RAG-2-/- mice have small numbers of TCR-CD4-CD8-(double negative, DN) thymocytes that express CD3γδε and ζ proteins intracellularly. Introduction of a TCRβ transgene, but not a TCRα transgene, into the RAG-2-/- background restored normal numbers of thymocytes. These cells were CD4+CD8+ (double positive, DP) and expressed small amounts of surface TCRβ chain dimers in association with CD3γδε but not ζ. RAG-2-/- mice that expressed α and β TCR transgenes developed both DP and single positive thymocytes. Thus, the TCRβ subunit, possibly in association with a novel CD3 complex, participates in the DN to the DP transition.
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