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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Isolation and Ex Vivo Culture of Vδ1+CD4+γδ T Cells, an Extrathymic αβT-cell Progenitor
Published on: December 7, 2015
Towards a molecular understanding of the differential signals regulating alphabeta/gammadelta T lineage choice
Sang-Yun Lee1, Jason Stadanlick, Dietmar J Kappes
1Immune Cell Development and Host Defense Program, Blood Cell Development and Cancer Keystone, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
Abstract:
While insights into the molecular processes that specify adoption of the alphabeta and gammadelta fates are beginning to emerge, the basis for control of specification remains highly controversial. This review highlights the current models attempting to explain T lineage commitment. Recent observations support the hypothesis that the T cell receptor (TCR) provides instructive cues through differences in TCR signaling intensity and/or longevity. Accordingly, we review evidence addressing the importance of differences in signal strength/longevity, how signals differing in intensity/longevity may be generated, and finally how such signals modulate the activity of downstream effectors to promote the opposing developmental fates.
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