Analysis of Immature (Cd4-Cd8-) Thymic Subsets in T-Cell Receptor aß Transgenic Mice

Abstract

Introduction of a transgenic αß TCR (Vα2/Vβ8.i) specific for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), in the context of H-2Db into the genome of C57BL/6 mice, has many effects on the development and selection of T cells in both the thymus and the periphery. These mice produce increased numbers of CD4-8+ mature T cells, all of which express the transgenic TCR, and small numbers of CD4+8- cells using endogenous TCRs are also produced. This study follows the intrathymic development of T cells in these TCR αß transgenic mice, in particular the earliest CD4-8- stages. As expected, the transgenic TCR is expressed on the cell surface at an earlier developmental stage than endogenous TCRs in nontransgenic littermate controls. Of the three major subsets expressing the heat-stable antigen (HSA), only the most mature, the CD25-CD44- expresses the transgenic TCR, and the earlier CD25+CD44- and CD25+CD44- do not. Furthermore, in contrast to other TCR aß transgenic lines, TCR γδ lineage cells appear to develop normally. © 1992, Harwood Academic Publishers GmbH.