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Differential expression of two distinct T-cell receptors during thymocyte development
Nature
|March 5, 1987
Summary
The T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma delta emerges in the thymus before TCR alpha beta, indicating a distinct T-cell lineage. This early gamma delta T-cell development precedes classical T-cell pathways.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- T-cell Biology
Background:
- T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma-gene products are expressed on peripheral cells and thymocytes.
- Understanding the role of the TCR gamma-chain in T-cell development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ontogeny of TCR expression at the protein level in the developing murine thymus.
- To elucidate the role of TCR gamma in T-cell development.
Main Methods:
- Studied TCR expression at the protein level in developing murine thymus.
- Utilized N-glycosidase digestions to analyze protein glycosylation.
Main Results:
- The first T3-associated TCR expressed in the thymus is a disulfide-linked heterodimer of gamma-chain (35K) and delta-chain (45K), termed TCR gamma delta.
- TCR gamma delta appears approximately two days before cell-surface TCR alpha beta heterodimers.
- All gamma-protein on fetal and adult thymocytes bears N-linked carbohydrate side chains, unlike mature T cells.
Conclusions:
- The fetal gamma delta receptor defines a distinct T-cell lineage.
- This lineage's development in the thymus precedes that of classical alpha beta-bearing T cells.