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Lymphoid development in mice congenitally lacking T cell receptor alpha beta-expressing cells
K L Philpott1, J L Viney, G Kay
1Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London, United Kingdom.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 5, 1992
Summary
Alpha beta T cells influence B cell development. Eliminating alpha beta T cells in mice led to increased splenic B cells and normal gamma delta T cell development, suggesting a regulatory role.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Vertebrate T cells utilize either alpha beta or gamma delta T cell receptors (TCRs), with their developmental relationship being unclear.
- Alpha beta T cells are crucial for pathogen response and interact with B cells in lymphoid organs, but their specific impact on B cell development remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental effects of alpha beta T cells on B cells and gamma delta T cells.
- To elucidate the role of alpha beta T cells in immune system development.
Main Methods:
- Generation of mice homozygous for a disrupted TCR alpha gene, leading to the elimination of alpha beta T cells.
- Analysis of T cell receptor (TCR) expression and B cell populations in the generated mouse model.
Main Results:
- Homozygous mice exhibited a complete absence of alpha beta T cells and a loss of thymic medullae.
- Gamma delta T cells developed in normal quantities despite the absence of alpha beta T cells.
- An increase in splenic B cell numbers was observed in the absence of alpha beta T cells.
Conclusions:
- Alpha beta T cells play a significant role in regulating B cell development.
- The absence of alpha beta T cells leads to an expansion of the splenic B cell compartment.
- Gamma delta T cell development is independent of alpha beta T cells in this context.
