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T cell receptor excision circles as markers for recent thymic emigrants: basic aspects, technical approach, and
M D Hazenberg1, M C Verschuren, D Hamann
1Department of Clinical Viro-Immunology, CLB, and Laboratory for Experimental and Clinical Immunology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands. M_Hazenberg@CLB.nl
Journal of Molecular Medicine (Berlin, Germany)
|November 21, 2001
Summary
Quantitative detection of T cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) can identify recent thymic emigrants. However, TREC levels are influenced by cell division and death, requiring caution when estimating thymic output.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- T cell differentiation involves T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement.
- DNA fragments deleted during TCR gene rearrangement form TRECs (T cell receptor excision circles).
- TRECs are stable but not replicated, leading to dilution during T cell proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of TRECs for measuring thymic output.
- To investigate the deltaRec-psiJalpha TREC as a marker for recent thymic emigrants.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of TREC formation during T cell differentiation.
- Quantitative detection of deltaRec-psiJalpha TRECs.
Main Results:
- The deltaRec-psiJalpha TREC is formed after most thymocyte expansion, making it a suitable marker.
- TREC content is influenced by factors beyond thymic output, including cell division, death, and naive T cell longevity.
Conclusions:
- TREC detection is a valuable tool for identifying recent thymic emigrants.
- Further research is needed to accurately quantify thymic output using TREC analysis due to confounding factors.