The thymus produces MHC-restricted abT cells that only recognize antigenic ligands in association with MHC or MHC-like molecules. We hypothesized that CD4 and CD8 coreceptors might be impose MHC-specificity on a broader abTCR repertoire during thymic selection because they bind and effectively sequester the tyrosine kinase Lck, thereby preventing TCR signaling by non-MHC ligands that do not engage either coreceptor. Using mice deficient for both CD4 and CD8 as well as MHC (Quad-deficient), we discoverd that ab thymocytes can be signaled by non-MHC ligands in the absence of coreceptors in vivo. In addition, we tested the critical role of coreceptors by introducing CD4 transgenes into Quad-deficient mice. Whereas sequestration of Lck by wild-type CD4 blocked signaling by non-MHC ligands on ab thymocytes, introducing a tailless form of CD4 didnt. We conclude that in the absence of Lck sequestration by coreceptors, thymocytes can be signaled by non-MHC ligands. Therefore, CD4 and CD8 impose MHC-specificity on a broad abTCR repertoire by preventing thymocytes to be selected by non-MHC ligands.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Investigator-Initiated Intramural Research Projects (ZIA)
Project #
1ZIABC011116-07
Application #
8937968
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Basic Sciences
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
Zip Code
Tai, Xuguang; Singer, Alfred (2014) Basis of Treg development in the thymus. Cell Cycle 13:501-2
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