Early T cell receptor β gene expression is regulated by the pre-T cell receptor-CD3 complex

Abstract

We have examined the question of whether there is an additional checkpoint in T cell development that regulates T cell receptor (TCR)-β expression in CD25+ 44 thymocytes by mechanisms that are independent of the pre-TCR. Our analysis in various mutant mice indicates that all changes in cytoplasmic TCR-β expression can be accounted for by pre-TCR-dependent signal mediation, putting into question the function of a putative pro-TCR.