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Expression and ontogeny of murine CD2.
1Division of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115.
European Journal of Immunology
|July 1, 1989
Summary
CD2, a protein found on human T cells, is unexpectedly present on most adult mouse lymphocytes and early fetal thymocytes. This finding challenges its definition as a T cell-specific marker in mice.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- CD2 was initially identified as a human T cell surface protein involved in erythrocyte rosetting.
- Homologues of CD2 in rats and mice have recently been discovered through cDNA cloning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of CD2 in adult and fetal mice.
- To determine if CD2 expression in mice aligns with its known T cell-specific role in humans and rats.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunofluorescence was employed using an anti-murine CD2 antiserum.
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze CD2 expression on lymphocytes and thymocytes.
Main Results:
- CD2 is expressed on the majority of adult murine peripheral lymphocytes and thymocytes.
- Unexpectedly, CD2 was also detected on murine B cells, differing from its T cell-specific definition in other species.
- CD2 expression emerges early in fetal thymocyte development, increasing from day 13 to day 17 of gestation.
Conclusions:
- CD2 expression in mice is broader than previously defined, including B cells and early thymocytes.
- The early appearance of CD2 during fetal development suggests a role in early T cell lineage commitment.
- These findings necessitate a re-evaluation of CD2's function and specificity in murine immunology.