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Inverse correlation between steady-state RNA and cell surface T cell receptor levels
J E Maguire1, S A McCarthy, A Singer
1Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Summary
T-cell receptor (TCR) surface levels are lower on immature thymocytes than mature T cells. However, RNA levels for TCR and associated proteins are higher in immature cells, indicating regulation occurs post-transcriptionally.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- T-cell receptor (TCR) expression is crucial for T-cell development and function.
- Quantitative differences in TCR surface expression exist between immature and mature T cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between steady-state RNA and cell surface levels of TCR in T cells.
- To determine if RNA levels explain the differential surface expression of TCR in immature and mature T cells.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of T cell receptor (TCR) and associated protein RNA levels.
- Comparison of RNA levels with cell surface protein expression in mature T cells and immature CD4+CD8+ double positive thymocytes.
Main Results:
- TCR is highly expressed on mature T cells but at low levels on immature thymocytes.
- RNA levels for TCR-alpha, TCR-beta, CD3-delta, CD3-epsilon, CD3-gamma, and CD3-sigma were significantly higher in immature thymocytes compared to mature T cells.
- Quantitative differences in surface TCR expression are not attributable to corresponding increases in RNA levels.
Conclusions:
- Post-transcriptional regulation plays a significant role in controlling T-cell receptor surface expression.
- The regulation of TCR surface expression differs between immature and mature T cells.