Limited diversity of γδ antigen receptor genes of Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal cells

DM Asarnow, WA Kuziel, M Bonyhad, RE Tigelaar… - Cell, 1988 - cell.com
DM Asarnow, WA Kuziel, M Bonyhad, RE Tigelaar, PW Tucker, JP Allison
Cell, 1988cell.com
T cells bearing yi3 antigen receptors constitute minor populations in most peripheral
lymphoid tissues but represent the major populations of T cells in certain epithelia, including
the epidermis. We show that murine dendritic epidermal cell (dEC) clones express Vy and
V6 gene segments, which are rare in adult T cells but predominate in fetal thymocytes.
Analysis of the junctions of the rearranged y and 6 genes shows a striking homogeneity
among the receptors of five dEC clones. Our data support a model in which dECs represent …
Summary
T cells bearing yi3 antigen receptors constitute minor populations in most peripheral lymphoid tissues but represent the major populations of T cells in certain epithelia, including the epidermis. We show that murine dendritic epidermal cell (dEC) clones express Vy and V6 gene segments, which are rare in adult T cells but predominate in fetal thymocytes. Analysis of the junctions of the rearranged y and 6 genes shows a striking homogeneity among the receptors of five dEC clones. Our data support a model in which dECs represent one of perhaps several waves of emigrants from the early fetal thymus, and imply a role for dECs in immune surveillance that is distinct from that of ap-and other y&bearing T cells.
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