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Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Evaluation of T Follicular Helper Cells and Germinal Center Response During Influenza A Virus Infection in Mice
Published on: June 27, 2020
Conformational changes in the T cell receptor differentially determine T cell subset development in mice
Raquel Blanco1, Aldo Borroto1, Wolfgang Schamel2
1Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
T-cell development relies on T cell receptor (TCR) conformational changes. Mutations in CD3ε, a TCR component, reveal Nck adaptor protein
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- T cell receptor (TCR) complex is crucial for T cell development.
- CD3ε subunit transmits signals via conformational changes.
- Nck adaptor protein is implicated in TCR signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of TCR conformational changes in T cell development.
- Determine the function of CD3ε extracellular domain and Nck binding site.
Main Methods:
- Generated mice with germline mutations in CD3ε (C80G and PRS).
- Analyzed T cell development in mutant mice.
- Performed genetic complementation tests.
Main Results:
- C80G mutation blocked αβ T cell development and some γδ T cell subsets.
- PRS mutation mimicked the C80G phenotype.
- Nck binding site mutation impaired TCR signaling.
- Genetic complementation showed interdependence of C80G and PRS mutations.
Conclusions:
- TCR conformational changes are essential for T cell development.
- Nck acts as an effector of TCR conformational changes.
- TCR signaling pathways exhibit differential dependence on conformational transmission.
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