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Pre-TCR signaling components trigger transcriptional activation of a rearranged TCRα gene locus and silencing of the pre-TCRα locus: implications for intrathymic differentiation.

Authors :
Shigeo Koyasu
Clayton, Linda K.
Lerner, Adam
Heiken, Hans
Parkes, Alysia
Reinherz, Ellis L.
Source :
International Immunology; Oct1997, Vol. 9 Issue 10, p1475-1480, 6p, 5 Diagrams
Publication Year :
1997

Abstract

A rearranged TCR α transgene remains transcriptionally inactive in rag-2<superscript>–/–</superscript> thymocytes but can be induced by CD3-mediated signals with concomitant maturation of double-negative (DN) thymocytes to the CD4<superscript>+</superscript>CD8<superscript>+</superscript> double-positive (DP) stage. Reciprocally, the same signals silence pre-TCRα (pTα) expression. In normal C57BL/6 thymocytes, TCRα expression is not detected in DN thymocytes while, in contrast, TCRβ expression is initiated at the most immature c-kit<superscript>+</superscript>CD44<superscript>+</superscript>CD25<superscript>-</superscript> stage and continues throughout thymocyte development. pTα expression is first detected at the intermediate c-kit<superscript>±</superscript>CD44<superscript>+</superscript>CD25<superscript>+</superscript> DN stage, increases during transition to the more mature c-kit<superscript>-</superscript>CD44<superscript>-</superscript>CD25<superscript>+</superscript> stage and is lost at the DP stage. Thus, although TCRβ and pTα expression are independent, the pre-TCR complex mediates signals controlling the appearance of αβ TCR through selective regulation of TCRα and pTα genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09538178
Volume :
9
Issue :
10
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
International Immunology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
131659160
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/intimm/9.10.1475