A Novel T Cell Subset with Trans-Rearranged V gamma-C beta b TCRs Shows V beta Expression Is Dispensable for Lineage Choice and MHC Restriction

作者：Bowen Steven; Sun Peter; Livak Ferenc; Sharrow Susan; Hodes Richard J^*

来源：The Journal of Immunology, 2014, 192(1): 169-177.

DOI：10.4049/jimmunol.1302398

alpha beta T cells, which express the alpha-beta TCR heterodimer, express CD4 or CD8 coreceptors on cells that are MHC class I or MHC class II dependent. In contrast, gamma delta T cells do not express CD4 or CD8 and develop independently of MHC interaction. The factors that determine alpha beta and gamma delta lineage choice are not fully understood, and the determinants of MHC restriction of TCR specificity have been controversial. In this study we have identified a naturally occurring population of T cells expressing V gamma-C beta receptor chains on the cell surface, the products of genomic trans-rearrangement between the V gamma 2 gene and a variety of D beta or J beta genes, in place of an intact TCR beta-chain and in association with TCR alpha. Identification of this population allowed an analysis of the role of TCR variable regions in determining T cell lineage choice and MHC restriction. We found that V gamma 2(+)C beta(+) cells are positive for either CD4 or CD8 and are selected in an MHC class II- or MHC class I-dependent manner, respectively, thus following the differentiation pathway of alpha beta and not gamma delta cells and demonstrating that V beta V region sequences are not required for selection of an MHCrestricted repertoire.

• 出版日期2014-1-1