Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
12:04
The bm12 Inducible Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: November 1, 2015
Bcl-2 expression promotes B- but not T-lymphoid development in scid mice
A Strasser1, A W Harris, L M Corcoran
1Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Nature
|March 31, 1994
Summary
The bcl-2 gene promotes B and T lymphocyte survival in scid mice by preventing apoptosis. Introducing a bcl-2 transgene rescues B-cell development, but T-cell development requires T-cell receptor expression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Lymphocyte development relies on antigen receptor expression for survival signals.
- Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mutation prevents lymphocyte development due to failed gene rearrangements.
- Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is implicated in the developmental block in SCID lymphocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the anti-apoptotic bcl-2 gene could rescue lymphopoiesis in SCID mice.
- To determine the role of bcl-2 in lymphocyte development and survival.
- To explore the interplay between receptor expression and bcl-2 mediated survival.
Main Methods:
- Crossed bcl-2 transgenic mice with SCID mice to create bcl-2/SCID mice.
- Analyzed B and T lymphocyte populations in bcl-2/SCID mice.
- Introduced T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenes into bcl-2/SCID mice to assess T-cell development.
Main Results:
- bcl-2/SCID mice showed a significant increase in B-lymphoid cells, nearing normal numbers, though lacking surface immunoglobulin.
- T-cell development remained blocked in bcl-2/SCID mice.
- Introduction of a TCR transgene in bcl-2/SCID mice allowed for the development of CD4+8+ thymocytes, even without selection.
Conclusions:
- The bcl-2 gene can rescue B-lymphopoiesis in SCID mice by inhibiting apoptosis.
- T-cell development is dependent on T-cell receptor expression for bcl-2 to mediate survival.
- Antigen receptor expression is critical for both lymphocyte development and the efficacy of anti-apoptotic mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...