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Ontogeny of CTX expression in xenopus
1Department of Microbiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY 14642, USA. robert@uhura.cc.rochester.edu
Developmental and Comparative Immunology
|January 7, 1999
Summary
Cortical thymocyte-specific antigen (CTX) in Xenopus is expressed on thymocytes during development, correlating with immature double positive T-cell populations. This suggests CTX
Area of Science:
- Developmental immunology
- Xenopus laevis research
- T-cell differentiation
Background:
- The type I transmembrane protein CTX (cortical thymocyte-specific antigen of Xenopus) is implicated in thymocyte differentiation.
- CTX's role in thymic selection requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence for CTX's association with a specific thymocyte differentiation stage.
- To correlate CTX expression with the murine immature double positive (CD4+CD8+TCR+) thymocyte subset.
Main Methods:
- Immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry were used to detect CTX expression.
- Analysis of CTX cell surface expression during Xenopus ontogeny.
Main Results:
- CTX expression on Xenopus thymocytes is first detected at 8 days post-fertilization.
- Intense CTX positivity is observed in cortical T-cells by 12 days post-fertilization, with medullary cells being negative.
- This expression pattern is maintained throughout larval and postmetamorphic stages.
Conclusions:
- CTX expression correlates with the appearance of CD8+ T-cells and immature double positive thymocytes in Xenopus.
- CTX is a potential marker for a specific stage of T-cell differentiation in Xenopus.