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Born WK, O'Brien RL. Becoming aware of γδ T cells. Adv Immunol 2022; 153:91-117. [PMID: 35469596 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The discovery that B cells and αβ T cells exist was predictable: These cells gave themselves away through their products and biological effects. In contrast, there was no reason to anticipate the existence of γδ T cells. Even the accidental discovery of a novel TCR-like gene (later named γ) that did not encode TCR α or β proteins did not immediately change this. TCR-like γ had no obvious function, and its early expression in the thymus encouraged speculation about a possible role in αβ T cell development. However, the identification of human PBL-derived cell-lines which expressed CD3 in complex with the TCR-like γ protein, but not the αβ TCR, first indicated that a second T cell-type might exist, and the TCR-like γ chain was observed to co-precipitate with another protein. Amid speculation about a possible second TCR, this potential dimeric partner was named δ. To determine if the δ protein was indeed TCR-like, we undertook to sequence it. Meanwhile, a fourth TCR-like gene was discovered and provisionally named x. TCR-like x had revealed itself through genomic rearrangements early in T cell development, and was an attractive candidate for the gene encoding δ. The observation that δ protein sequences matched the predicted amino acid sequences encoded by the x gene, as well as serological cross-reactivity, confirmed that the TCR-like x gene indeed encoded the δ protein. Thus, the γδ heterodimer was established as a second TCR, and the cells that express it (the γδ T cells) consequently represented a third lymphocyte-population with the potential of recognizing diverse antigens. Soon, it became clear that γδ T cells are widely distributed and conserved among the vertebrate species, implying biological importance. Consistently, early functional studies revealed their roles in host resistance to pathogens, tissue repair, immune regulation, metabolism, organ physiology and more. Albeit discovered late, γδ T cells have repeatedly proven to play a distinct and often critical immunological role, and now generate much interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willi K Born
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States.
| | - Rebecca L O'Brien
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO, United States
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2
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Marrack P, Krovi SH, Silberman D, White J, Kushnir E, Nakayama M, Crooks J, Danhorn T, Leach S, Anselment R, Scott-Browne J, Gapin L, Kappler J. The somatically generated portion of T cell receptor CDR3α contributes to the MHC allele specificity of the T cell receptor. eLife 2017; 6:30918. [PMID: 29148973 PMCID: PMC5701794 DOI: 10.7554/elife.30918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mature T cells bearing αβ T cell receptors react with foreign antigens bound to alleles of major histocompatibility complex proteins (MHC) that they were exposed to during their development in the thymus, a phenomenon known as positive selection. The structural basis for positive selection has long been debated. Here, using mice expressing one of two different T cell receptor β chains and various MHC alleles, we show that positive selection-induced MHC bias of T cell receptors is affected both by the germline encoded elements of the T cell receptor α and β chain and, surprisingly, dramatically affected by the non germ line encoded portions of CDR3 of the T cell receptor α chain. Thus, in addition to determining specificity for antigen, the non germline encoded elements of T cell receptors may help the proteins cope with the extremely polymorphic nature of major histocompatibility complex products within the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa Marrack
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Denver, United States.,Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, United States.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, United States
| | - Sai Harsha Krovi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, United States
| | - Daniel Silberman
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, United States.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, United States
| | - Janice White
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, United States
| | - Eleanor Kushnir
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, United States
| | - Maki Nakayama
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, United States.,Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, United States
| | - James Crooks
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, Denver, United States
| | - Thomas Danhorn
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, Denver, United States
| | - Sonia Leach
- Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, United States.,Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, Denver, United States
| | - Randy Anselment
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, Denver, United States
| | | | - Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, United States
| | - John Kappler
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Denver, United States.,Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, United States.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, United States
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3
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Föhse L, Reinhardt A, Oberdörfer L, Schmitz S, Förster R, Malissen B, Prinz I. Differential postselection proliferation dynamics of αβ T cells, Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, and invariant NKT cells monitored by genetic pulse labeling. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:2384-92. [PMID: 23894200 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1301359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The thymus generates two divergent types of lymphocytes, innate and adaptive T cells. Innate T cells such as invariant NKT cells provide immediate immune defense, whereas adaptive T cells require a phase of expansion and functional differentiation outside the thymus. Naive adaptive T lymphocytes should not proliferate much after positive selection in the thymus to ensure a highly diverse TCR repertoire. In contrast, oligoclonal innate lymphocyte populations are efficiently expanded through intrathymic proliferation. For CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are thought to be generated by agonist recognition, it is not clear whether they proliferate upon thymic selection. In this study, we investigated thymic and peripheral T cell proliferation by genetic pulse labeling. To this end, we used a mouse model in which all developing αβ thymocytes were marked by expression of a histone 2B-enhanced GFP (H2BeGFP) fusion-protein located within the Tcrd locus (TcrdH2BeGFP). This reporter gene was excised during TCR α-chain VJ-recombination, and the retained H2BeGFP signal was thus diluted upon cell proliferation. We found that innate T cells such as CD1d-restricted invariant NKT cells all underwent a phase of intense intrathymic proliferation, whereas adaptive CD4(+) and CD8(+) single-positive thymocytes including thymic Tregs cycled, on average, only once after final selection. After thymic exit, retention or loss of very stable H2BeGFP signal indicated the proliferative history of peripheral αβ T cells. There, peripheral Tregs showed lower levels of H2BeGFP compared with CD4(+)Foxp3(-) T cells. This further supports the hypothesis that the Treg repertoire is shaped by self-Ag recognition in the steady-state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Föhse
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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4
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Stone JL, McMillan RE, Skaar DA, Bradshaw JM, Jirtle RL, Sikes ML. DNA double-strand breaks relieve USF-mediated repression of Dβ2 germline transcription in developing thymocytes. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:2266-75. [PMID: 22287717 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1002931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Activation of germline promoters is central to V(D)J recombinational accessibility, driving chromatin remodeling, nucleosome repositioning, and transcriptional read-through of associated DNA. We have previously shown that of the two TCRβ locus (Tcrb) D segments, Dβ1 is flanked by an upstream promoter that directs its transcription and recombinational accessibility. In contrast, transcription within the DJβ2 segment cluster is initially restricted to the J segments and only redirected upstream of Dβ2 after D-to-J joining. The repression of upstream promoter activity prior to Tcrb assembly correlates with evidence that suggests DJβ2 recombination is less efficient than that of DJβ1. Because inefficient DJβ2 assembly offers the potential for V-to-DJβ2 recombination to rescue frameshifted V-to-DJβ1 joints, we wished to determine how Dβ2 promoter activity is modulated upon Tcrb recombination. In this study, we show that repression of the otherwise transcriptionally primed 5'Dβ2 promoter requires binding of upstream stimulatory factor (USF)-1 to a noncanonical E-box within the Dβ2 12-recombination signal sequence spacer prior to Tcrb recombination. USF binding is lost from both rearranged and germline Dβ2 sites in DNA-dependent protein kinase, catalytic subunit-competent thymocytes. Finally, genotoxic dsDNA breaks lead to rapid loss of USF binding and gain of transcriptionally primed 5'Dβ2 promoter activity in a DNA-dependent protein kinase, catalytic subunit-dependent manner. Together, these data suggest a mechanism by which V(D)J recombination may feed back to regulate local Dβ2 recombinational accessibility during thymocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Stone
- Department of Microbiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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5
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Sikes ML, McMillan RE, Bradshaw JM. The center of accessibility: Dβ control of V(D)J recombination. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2010; 58:427-33. [PMID: 20890731 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-010-0101-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Developmental patterning of antigen receptor gene assembly in lymphocyte precursors correlates with decondensation of the chromatin surrounding individual gene segments. Ongoing V(D)J recombination is associated with hyperacetylation of histones H3 and H4 and the expression of sterile germline transcripts across the region of recombinational accessibility. Likewise, histone acetyltransferase and SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes each appear to be required for recombination, and the PHD-finger of RAG-2 preferentially associates with recombination signal sequence (RSS) chromatin that contains H3 trimethylated on lysine 4. However, the regulatory mechanisms that direct chromatin alteration and rearrangement have proven elusive, due in large part to the interdependency of individual stages in gene activation, our limited understanding of functional significance of changes to the histone code, and the difficulty of modeling recombinational accessibility in existing experimental systems. Examining Tcrb assembly in developing thymocytes, we review the central roles of RSS elements and germline promoters as foci for epigenetic reorganization of recombinationally accessible gene segments in light of recent findings and persistent questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Sikes
- Department of Microbiology, North Carolina State University, 100 Derieux Place, Campus Box 7615, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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6
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McMillan RE, Sikes ML. Promoter activity 5' of Dbeta2 is coordinated by E47, Runx1, and GATA-3. Mol Immunol 2009; 46:3009-17. [PMID: 19592096 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
V(D)J recombination involves the stepwise assembly of B and T cell receptor genes as lymphocytes progress through the early stages of development. While the mechanisms that restrict each step in recombination to its appropriate developmental stage are largely unknown, they share many of the components that regulate transcription. For example, enhancer-dependent modifications in histone acetylation and methylation are essential for both germline transcription and rearrangement of antigen receptor genes. Promoters positioned proximal to individual D and J gene segments in Tcra, Tcrb, Tcrd, IgH, and Igk also contribute to antigen receptor gene assembly, though their effects appear more localized than those of enhancers. Tcrb assembly initiates with D-to-J joining at each of the two D-J-C gene segment clusters in DN1/2 thymocytes. DJ joints are fused with Vbeta elements to complete Tcrb recombination in DN3 cells. We have previously shown that Dbeta2 is flanked by upstream and downstream promoters, with the 5' promoter being held inactive until D-to-J recombination deletes the NFkappaB-dependent 3' promoter. We now report that activity of the 5' promoter reflects a complex interplay among Runx1, GATA-3, and E47 transcription factors. In particular, while multiple E47 and Runx1 binding sites clustered near the Dbeta2 5'RS and overlapping inr elements define the core 5'PDbeta2, they act in concert with an array of upstream GATA-3 sites to overcome the inhibitory effects of a 110bp distal polypurine.polypyrimidine (R.Y) tract. The dependence of 5'PDbeta2 on E47 is consistent with the reported role of E proteins in post-DN1 thymocyte development and V-to-DJbeta recombination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E McMillan
- Department of Microbiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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7
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McMillan RE, Sikes ML. Differential activation of dual promoters alters Dbeta2 germline transcription during thymocyte development. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 180:3218-28. [PMID: 18292546 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.180.5.3218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Ag receptor genes are assembled through somatic rearrangements of V, D, and J gene segments. This process is directed in part by transcriptional enhancers and promoters positioned within each gene locus. Whereas enhancers coordinate reorganization of large chromatin stretches, promoters are predicted to facilitate the accessibility of proximal downstream gene segments. In TCR beta locus, rearrangement initiates at two D-J cassettes, each of which exhibits transcriptional activity coincident with DJ rearrangement in CD4/CD8 double-negative pro-T cells. Consistent with a model of promoter-facilitated recombination, assembly of the DJbeta1 cassette is dependent on a Dbeta1 promoter (PDbeta1) positioned immediately 5' of the D. Assembly of DJbeta2 proceeds independent from that of DJbeta1, albeit with less efficiency. To gain insight into the mechanisms that selectively alter D usage, we have defined transcriptional regulation at Dbeta2. We find that both DJbeta cassettes generate germline messages in murine CD44+CD25- double-negative 1 cells. However, transcription of unrearranged DJbeta2 initiates at multiple sites 400-550 bp downstream of the Dbeta2. Unexpectedly, loci from which germline promoter activity has been deleted by DJ rearrangement redirect transcription to sites immediately 5' of the new DJbeta2 joint. Our analyses suggest that 3'-PDbeta2 activity is largely controlled by NF-kappaB RelA, whereas 5'-PDbeta2 activity directs germline transcription of DJbeta2 joints from initiator elements 76 bp upstream of the Dbeta2 5' recombination signal sequence. The unique organization and timing of Dbeta2 promoter activity are consistent with a model in which promoter placement selectively regulates the rearrangement potential of Dbeta2 during TCR beta locus assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth E McMillan
- Department of Microbiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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8
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Abstract
gammadelta T cells contribute to host immune competence uniquely. This is most likely because they have distinctive antigen-recognition properties. While the basic organization of gammadelta T-cell receptor (TCR) loci is similar to that of alphabeta TCR loci, there is a striking difference in how the diversity of gammadelta TCRs is generated. gammadelta and alphabeta T cells have different antigen-recognition requirements and almost certainly recognize a different set of antigens. While it is unclear what most gammadelta T cells recognize, the non-classical major histocompatibility complex class I molecules T10 and T22 were found to be the natural ligands for a sizable population (0.2-2%) of murine gammadelta T cells. The recognition of T10/T22 may be a way by which gammadelta T cells regulate cells of the immune system, and this system has been used to determine the antigen-recognition determinants of gammadelta T cells. T10/T22-specific gammadelta T cells have TCRs that are diverse in both V gene usage and CDR3 sequences. Their Vgamma usage reflects their tissue origin, and their antigen specificity is conferred by a motif in the TCR delta chain that is encoded by V and D segments and by P-nucleotide addition. Sequence variations around this motif modulate affinities between TCRs and T10/T22. That this CDR3 motif is important in antigen recognition is confirmed by the crystal structure of a gammadelta TCR bound to its ligand. The significance of these observations is discussed in the context of gammadelta T-cell biology.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antigens/immunology
- Base Sequence
- Complementarity Determining Regions/chemistry
- Complementarity Determining Regions/immunology
- Histocompatibility Antigens/chemistry
- Histocompatibility Antigens/immunology
- Humans
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Protein Binding/immunology
- Protein Structure, Quaternary
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/chemistry
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-hsiu Chien
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Program in Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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9
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Joachims ML, Chain JL, Hooker SW, Knott-Craig CJ, Thompson LF. Human alpha beta and gamma delta thymocyte development: TCR gene rearrangements, intracellular TCR beta expression, and gamma delta developmental potential--differences between men and mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 176:1543-52. [PMID: 16424183 PMCID: PMC1592528 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.176.3.1543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the role of the TCR in the alphabeta/gammadelta lineage choice during human thymocyte development, molecular analyses of the TCRbeta locus in gammadelta cells and the TCRgamma and delta loci in alphabeta cells were undertaken. TCRbeta variable gene segments remained largely in germline configuration in gammadelta cells, indicating that commitment to the gammadelta lineage occurred before complete TCRbeta rearrangements in most cases. The few TCRbeta rearrangements detected were primarily out-of-frame, suggesting that productive TCRbeta rearrangements diverted cells away from the gammadelta lineage. In contrast, in alphabeta cells, the TCRgamma locus was almost completely rearranged with a random productivity profile; the TCRdelta locus contained primarily nonproductive rearrangements. Productive gamma rearrangements were, however, depleted compared with preselected cells. Productive TCRgamma and delta rearrangements rarely occurred in the same cell, suggesting that alphabeta cells developed from cells unable to produce a functional gammadelta TCR. Intracellular TCRbeta expression correlated with the up-regulation of CD4 and concomitant down-regulation of CD34, and plateaued at the early double positive stage. Surprisingly, however, some early double positive thymocytes retained gammadelta potential in culture. We present a model for human thymopoiesis which includes gammadelta development as a default pathway, an instructional role for the TCR in the alphabeta/gammadelta lineage choice, and a prolonged developmental window for beta selection and gammadelta lineage commitment. Aspects that differ from the mouse are the status of TCR gene rearrangements at the nonexpressed loci, the timing of beta selection, and maintenance of gammadelta potential through the early double positive stage of development.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Cycle/genetics
- Cell Cycle/immunology
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Differentiation/immunology
- Cell Lineage/genetics
- Cell Lineage/immunology
- Child
- Coculture Techniques
- Gene Rearrangement, alpha-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
- Gene Rearrangement, beta-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
- Gene Rearrangement, delta-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
- Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
- Humans
- Infant
- Intracellular Fluid/immunology
- Intracellular Fluid/metabolism
- Mice
- Models, Immunological
- Organ Culture Techniques
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Thymus Gland/cytology
- Thymus Gland/immunology
- Thymus Gland/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Joachims
- Immunobiology and Cancer Program Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation 825 NE 13 St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104
| | - Jennifer L. Chain
- Immunobiology and Cancer Program Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation 825 NE 13 St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104
- Department of Microbiology and
| | - Scott W. Hooker
- Immunobiology and Cancer Program Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation 825 NE 13 St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104
| | | | - Linda F. Thompson
- Immunobiology and Cancer Program Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation 825 NE 13 St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104
- Department of Microbiology and
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Linda F. Thompson, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13 St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104. Phone: (405) 271-7235; FAX:(405) 271-7128. E-mail address:
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10
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Przybylski GK, Oettle H, Siegert W, Schmidt CA. Novel T-cell receptor delta gene rearrangement involving a recombining element located 2.6 kb 3' from the Vdelta2 gene segment. Leuk Res 2001; 25:1059-65. [PMID: 11684277 DOI: 10.1016/s0145-2126(01)00081-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we describe a novel T-cell receptor delta (TCRdelta) gene rearrangement observed in acute myeloid leukemia with coexpression of T-lymphoid antigens (Ly+AML) and in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) from one out of ten healthy donors. The rearrangement was identified by Southern blot analysis using a joining region (Jdelta1) specific probe and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a variable region (Vdelta2) and Jdelta1 specific primers. The nucleotide sequence analysis of an atypical 3000 bp PCR product allowed localization of the breakpoint within the TCRdelta gene locus, 2.6 kb 3' from the Vdelta2 gene segment. A regular Ddelta2-Ddelta3-Jdelta1 joining was found at the 3' end of the breakpoint, indicating that the rearrangement was mediated by the VDJ recombinase, but no TCRdelta gene segment was detected at the 5' end. Analysis of the germline sequence 3' from the breakpoint revealed an isolated recombination signal sequence (RSS) capable of initiating a rearrangement. The RSS motif described by us is the second TCRdelta recombining element (deltaRec2). The deltaRec2(Ddelta)Jdelta1 recombination is a rather rare event and can be found in acute leukemia and in PBL from healthy individuals. Most likely, the nonfunctional deltaRec2(Ddelta)Jdelta1 rearrangement is a transient step during the VDJ recombination. It may potentially lead to deletion of the deltaRec2(Ddelta)Jdelta1 complex and either to direct joining of a Vdelta region to one of the downstream Jdelta regions or to a rearrangement of the TCRalpha gene.
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11
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Livak F, Schatz DG. T-cell receptor alpha locus V(D)J recombination by-products are abundant in thymocytes and mature T cells. Mol Cell Biol 1996; 16:609-18. [PMID: 8552089 PMCID: PMC231040 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.16.2.609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the assembled coding regions of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor (TCR) genes, the V(D)J recombination reaction can in principle generate three types of by-products in normal developing lymphocytes: broken DNA molecules that terminate in a recombination signal sequence or a coding region (termed signal or coding end molecules, respectively) and DNA molecules containing fused recombination signal sequences (termed reciprocal products). Using a quantitative Southern blot analysis of the murine TCR alpha locus, we demonstrate that substantial amounts of signal end molecules and reciprocal products, but not coding end molecules, exist in thymocytes, while peripheral T cells contain substantial amounts of reciprocal products. At the 5' end of the J alpha locus, 20% of thymus DNA exists as signal end molecules. An additional 30 to 40% of the TCR alpha/delta locus exists as remarkably stable reciprocal products throughout T-cell development, with the consequence that the TCR C delta region is substantially retained in alpha beta committed T cells. The disappearance of the broken DNA molecules occurs in the same developmental transition as termination of expression of the recombination activating genes, RAG-1 and RAG-2. These findings raise important questions concerning the mechanism of V(D)J recombination and the maintenance of genome integrity during lymphoid development.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Livak
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8011, USA
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12
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Schmidt CA, Przybylski G, Seeger K, Siegert W. TCR delta gene rearrangements in acute myeloid leukemia with T-lymphoid antigen expression. Leuk Lymphoma 1995; 20:45-9. [PMID: 8750622 DOI: 10.3109/10428199509054752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In this review we present our data concerning T-cell receptor (TCR) delta gene rearrangements in acute myeloid leukemia with coexpression of T-lymphoid features (CD2/CD4/CD7; Ly+ AML). We found a correlation between TCR delta gene rearrangements and coexpression of these T-lymphoid features. Ten of 66 Ly+ AML and only one of 44 AML cases without this coexpression exhibited TCR delta gene rearrangements (p = .028). In contrast, no correlation was observed between terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) expression and the occurrence of TCR delta gene rearrangements in AML. Rearrangements were found in two of 25 AML with and seven of 71 AML cases without TdT expression. Interestingly, nucleotide sequencing of junctional sites revealed up to 36 N-nucleotides in cases without or with only weak TdT expression indicating downregulation of TdT expression after the TCR rearrangement took place. Complete V delta 1J delta 1 and incomplete D delta 2J delta 1 gene rearrangements were observed most frequently in Ly+ AML. These recombination patterns were similar to patterns observed in acute T-lymphoblastic leukemia with coexpression of myeloid features (My+ T-ALL) suggesting transformation of a common myeloid/T-lymphoid progenitor cell in these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Schmidt
- Abt. Hämatologie und Onkologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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13
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Nakajima PB, Menetski JP, Roth DB, Gellert M, Bosma MJ. V-D-J rearrangements at the T cell receptor delta locus in mouse thymocytes of the alpha beta lineage. Immunity 1995; 3:609-21. [PMID: 7584151 DOI: 10.1016/1074-7613(95)90132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The T cell receptor (TCR) delta locus lies within the TCR alpha locus and is excised from the chromosome by V alpha-J alpha rearrangement. We show here that delta sequences persist in a large fraction of the DNA from mature CD4+CD8- alpha beta+ mouse thymocytes. Virtually all delta loci in these cells are rearranged and present in extrachromosomal DNA. In immature alpha beta lineage thymocytes (CD3-/loCD4+CD8+) and in CD4+CD8- alpha beta+ thymocytes expressing a transgene-encoded alpha beta receptor, rearranged delta genes are present both in chromosomal and extrachromosomal DNA. Thus, contrary to earlier proposals, commitment to the alpha beta lineage does not require recombinational silencing of the delta locus or its deletion by a site-specific mechanism prior to V alpha-J alpha rearrangement.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Cells, Cultured
- Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
- Gene Rearrangement, delta-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor/genetics
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Transgenic
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- Thymus Gland/cytology
- Thymus Gland/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- P B Nakajima
- Institute for Cancer Research Fox Chase Cancer Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, USA
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14
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Livak F, Petrie HT, Crispe IN, Schatz DG. In-frame TCR delta gene rearrangements play a critical role in the alpha beta/gamma delta T cell lineage decision. Immunity 1995; 2:617-27. [PMID: 7796295 DOI: 10.1016/1074-7613(95)90006-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Using a quantitative multiprobe Southern blot analysis, we demonstrate the surprising result that a significant proportion of alpha beta T cells and thymocytes retain T cell receptor delta locus sequences. A substantial portion of the retained delta locus is in a fully V-to-D-to-J rearranged configuration and 20% of these delta rearrangements are functional, significantly less than the 33% predicted for random gene rearrangements. Our observations are in conflict with the idea that alpha beta and gamma delta T cells derive from distinct precursors and suggest that commitment of a common precursor to the gamma delta lineage depends upon expression of a gamma delta T cell receptor. We propose that the intrathymic T cell lineage decision is determined by a competition between the production of functional gamma delta and beta-pre-T cell receptor complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Livak
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8011, USA
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15
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Dudley EC, Girardi M, Owen MJ, Hayday AC. Alpha beta and gamma delta T cells can share a late common precursor. Curr Biol 1995; 5:659-69. [PMID: 7552177 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-9822(95)00131-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The subdivision of T cells into alpha beta and gamma delta subtypes is conserved throughout vertebrate development. The respective alpha beta and gamma delta T-cell receptors (TCRs) are encoded by somatically rearranged genes. There has been broad speculation as to whether an individual thymocyte can become either a gamma delta T cell or an alpha beta T cell as a result of stochastic gene rearrangement processes, or whether the two types of T cell are derived from separate lineages. Many of the experimental findings are apparently conflicting, however, and the issue--a basic one in immunology and development--remains unresolved. RESULTS To address this issue, we have used the recently developed polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique, which allows us to examine quantitatively the status of TCR gamma and delta genes in postnatal alpha beta T cells and their progenitors. Interestingly, such cells are depleted of productively rearranged delta and gamma genes, which can encode delta and gamma TCR polypeptide chains. However, in mice that can rearrange TCR delta gene segments, but in which the TCR delta gene is non-functional in other respects, no such depletion of productive rearrangements is seen. CONCLUSION The quantitative data that we have obtained fulfill the predictions of the stochastic hypothesis: that is, a progenitor T cell first attempts to become a gamma delta T cell and, if unsuccessful, then attempts to become an alpha beta T cell. Thus, alpha beta and gamma delta T cells can derive from a common precursor thymocyte. In the simplest case, therefore, lineage-determining factors are the successful rearrangement of both gamma and delta genes before TCR alpha gene rearrangements occur, which lead to deletion of the TCR delta locus and thereby preclude further gamma delta T-cell differentiation. In contrast, successful rearrangement of the TCR beta locus remains compatible with cells becoming either gamma delta or alpha beta T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C Dudley
- Department of Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, USA
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16
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Schmidt CA, Przybylski G, Oettle H, Seeger KH, Ludwig WD, Siegert W. Heterogeneity of V delta 2 TCR delta gene rearrangements in acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 1994; 16:73-7. [PMID: 7696934 DOI: 10.3109/10428199409114142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In a previous study, we described the occurrence of T-cell receptor (TCR)delta gene rearrangements in 9/100 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases. In this study, we further characterized these rearrangements by Southern Blot hybridization using a V delta 2 specific probe and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Southern Blot analysis revealed that rearrangements involved the V delta 2 gene segment in four patients. Interestingly the restriction fragments detected by the V delta 2 probe differed markedly in size. PCR analysis revealed a complete V delta 2(Dn)J delta 1 gene rearrangement, an incomplete V delta 2D delta 3 rearrangement and a large amplification product, which cannot be explained with normal VDJ recombinatorial processes, in one case each. Furthermore although V delta 2 and J delta were rearranged, no comigration of rearranged fragments was observed and no PCR product was obtained in one case. Obtained results in AML differ from findings in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) of B-cell lineage, where a more homogeneous pattern of rearrangements has been described. This heterogeneity might be related to the illegitimate occurrence of TCR delta gene rearrangements in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Schmidt
- Innere Medizin, Abt. Hämatologie, UKRV, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
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17
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Novitzky N, Jacobs P, Rosenstrauch W. The treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: plasma infusion or exchange? Br J Haematol 1994; 87:317-20. [PMID: 7947273 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1994.tb04915.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Classic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura has substantial mortality and, because the pathogenesis is uncertain, multiple therapies are often used. These include corticosteroids and antiplatelet drugs, with plasma infusion or exchange most dramatically influencing outcome. To compare the relative efficacy of these latter two options, the records of 20 patients were retrospectively analysed. The groups were well matched for size and disease severity and received equivalent volumes of plasma. No significant difference in response rate or survival was demonstrated, although plasmapheresis may be preferable in the presence of impaired renal function with fluid overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Novitzky
- University of Cape Town Leukaemia Centre, South Africa
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18
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Yano T, Pullman A, Andrade R, Uppenkamp M, de Villartay JP, Reaman G, Crush-Stanton S, Cohen DI, Raffeld M, Cossman J. A common V delta 2-D delta 2-D delta 3 T cell receptor gene rearrangement in precursor B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 1991; 79:44-9. [PMID: 1654993 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.1991.tb08005.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite their apparent commitment to the B lymphocytic lineage, human precursor B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemias (ALL) frequently rearrange their T cell antigen receptor (TCR) alpha, beta and gamma chain genes. Since these three genes are active sites of rearrangement in precursor B cell neoplasms, it seemed that the recently discovered fourth TCR gene, delta, might be similarly rearranged. To investigate this possibility, a series of precursor B cell leukaemias was analysed for rearrangements at the delta chain gene locus, using probes of the variable, joining, and constant regions of the delta chain gene. The majority of precursor B cell ALLs in this series (25/32, 78%) showed rearrangement or deletion of one or more TCR delta genes. This contrasts sharply with a series of 16 mature B cell neoplasms (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia) in which no TCR delta gene rearrangements were detected. An unusual TCR delta rearrangement, rarely observed in normal or neoplastic T cells, was seen in the majority (14/18) of precursor B cell ALLs with TCR delta rearrangements. In contrast to the utilization ov V delta 1 in T cell ALL, detailed restriction mapping of precursor B ALL revealed an incomplete rearrangement without involvement of J delta segments. Direct genomic sequencing was performed on one example and demonstrated a nonproductive V delta 2-D delta 2-D delta 3 recombination in this precursor B ALL. We conclude that the TCR delta chain gene is an active locus in precursor B cell neoplasia, involves an unusual type of rearrangement and provides a clonal tumour marker for diagnosis of precursor B ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Yano
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
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19
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van Dongen JJ, Wolvers-Tettero IL. Analysis of immunoglobulin and T cell receptor genes. Part I: Basic and technical aspects. Clin Chim Acta 1991; 198:1-91. [PMID: 1863985 DOI: 10.1016/0009-8981(91)90246-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J J van Dongen
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Dijkzigt/Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Ogimoto M, Yoshikai Y, Matsuzaki G, Matsumoto K, Kishihara K, Nomoto K. Expression of T cell receptor V gamma 5 in the adult thymus of irradiated mice after transplantation with fetal liver cells. Eur J Immunol 1990; 20:1965-70. [PMID: 2120069 DOI: 10.1002/eji.1830200914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
T cell receptor (TcR) gamma/delta displays limited diversity and its diversity is distinct in different stages of ontogeny and in different anatomical sites. The V gamma 5 and V delta 1 gene products are preferentially expressed on the early fetal thymocytes and on Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal cells, whereas the V gamma 4 and V delta 5 gene products are abundantly expressed on the adult thymocytes. To elucidate whether the developmentally ordered appearance of thymocytes expressing TcR gamma/delta is dependent on the source of T cell precursors or is controlled by the thymic environment where T cells develop, we compared the expression of V gamma 5 on the early-appearing thymocytes between irradiated mice after transplantation with fetal liver (FL) cells and those after transplantation with bone marrow (BM) cells. Sequential appearance of thymocyte subpopulations was observed in the thymus of radiation FL chimeras similar to that seen in radiation BM chimeras. A substantial number of thymocytes bearing V gamma 5 appeared in the thymus at the early stage of radiation FL chimeras, whereas few, if any, of such V gamma 5-bearing thymocytes were detected in the thymus at any stage of radiation BM chimeras. These results suggested that the ordered expression of V gamma repertoire may depend on the origin of the T cell precursors but not on the thymic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ogimoto
- Department of Immunology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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21
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O'Reilly MA, Kinnon C. The technique of pulsed field gel electrophoresis and its impact on molecular immunology. J Immunol Methods 1990; 131:1-13. [PMID: 2116481 DOI: 10.1016/0022-1759(90)90226-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M A O'Reilly
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Child Health, London, U.K
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22
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Sansoni P, Girasole G, Manara GC, Snelli G, Passeri G, Allavena P, Rossi V, De Panfilis G, Passeri M. Lymphocytes of a patient with lymphoproliferative disease of large granular lymphocytes express high natural killer, ADCC, and LAK activity. CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY AND IMMUNOPATHOLOGY 1990; 56:9-21. [PMID: 2141560 DOI: 10.1016/0090-1229(90)90164-l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The clinical, morphological, immunological, and molecular features of a case of expansion of large granular lymphocytes (LGL) are reported. Surface marker analysis of peripheral blood and spleen mononuclear cells showed that the majority of these cells were CD3-, CD2+, CD16+, and Leu 7-. Ultrastructural characteristics of CD16+ cells revealed a low nuclear/cytoplasmatic ratio, irregularly shaped nucleus, and numerous cytoplasmatic granules. Functional studies showed reduced proliferative responses to mitogens (PHA, Con A, PWM) and high levels of natural killer (NK) activity as well as antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) activities. Molecular analysis of the T cell receptor genes revealed a germline configuration of the beta, gamma, and delta genes; however, as for normal NK cells, delta-related mRNA transcripts were found. Three months from diagnosis, the patient developed profound thrombocytopenia and splenectomy was carried out with complete normalization of the platelet counts and of hematological values while LGL lymphocytosis persisted. Although no tools are available for studying the monoclonality of CD3- lymphoproliferative disease, the clinical course, the absence of chromosomal abnormalities, and a liver histology indicative of chronic active hepatitis suggest that LGL expansion in this patient could be part of a benign, possibly reactive, process.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sansoni
- Clinica Medica Generale e Terapia Medica, Università di Parma, Italy
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23
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Ohashi PS, Wallace VA, Broughton H, Ohashi CT, Ferrick DA, Jost V, Mak TW, Hengartner H, Pircher H. Specific deletion of the J-C delta locus in murine alpha/beta T cell clones and studies using transgenic mice. Eur J Immunol 1990; 20:517-22. [PMID: 2318248 DOI: 10.1002/eji.1830200309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A deletion event in the T cell receptor (TcR) delta locus has been characterized in a panel of mouse alpha/beta cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones. Data presented here shows that J delta 1, J delta 2 and C delta are absent from functional CTL clones while a germ-line D delta 1 fragment is retained, thus suggesting a specific deletion of this region. We have investigated the possible significance of the J-C delta deletion by generating T cell lines from TcR alpha/beta transgenic mice. Unlike control T cell lines which included a T cell line derived from a beta transgenic mouse, the lines expressing the transgenic alpha/beta heterodimer have not deleted the C delta region. This strongly suggests that the J-C delta deletion event is not responsible for directing T cells to the alpha/beta lineage, but rather is involved in the rearrangement or transcriptional activity of the alpha locus. In addition, to ensure that the alpha/beta transgene does not have any inhibitory affects on the rearrangement of the delta loci in general, the gamma/delta expressing dendritic epithelial T cell (DETC) population was examined in TcR alpha/beta transgenic mice and alterations in this T cell subset were not found. This finding that normal gamma/delta DETC cells are present in alpha/beta transgenic mice, together with the data showing that the D delta 1 region remains in an unrearranged germ-line configuration in functional alpha/beta CTL, suggests that commitment to the alpha/beta or gamma/delta lineage is predetermined at a particular stage in early T cell ontogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S Ohashi
- Department of Experimental Pathology, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland
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24
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Matsunaga T, Dahl U. What was wrong with the T-cell receptor gamma/delta heterodimer? Divergence of the T-cell receptor alpha/beta and gamma/delta heterodimers. Scand J Immunol 1989; 30:511-7. [PMID: 2531462 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.1989.tb02458.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Chromosome Deletion
- Digestive System/immunology
- Histocompatibility Antigens
- Humans
- Phylogeny
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/physiology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta
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Affiliation(s)
- T Matsunaga
- University of Umeå, Unit of Applied Molecular and Cell Biology, Sweden
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25
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Boehm T, Rabbitts TH. A chromosomal basis of lymphoid malignancy in man. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1989; 185:1-17. [PMID: 2680485 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1989.tb15074.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- T Boehm
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, England
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26
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Becker ML, Near R, Mudgett-Hunter M, Margolies MN, Kubo RT, Kaye J, Hedrick SM. Expression of a hybrid immunoglobulin-T cell receptor protein in transgenic mice. Cell 1989; 58:911-21. [PMID: 2528411 DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(89)90943-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We have constructed a hybrid immunoglobulin (VDJH)-T cell receptor (C alpha) gene using the VDJH exon from a digoxin-specific antibody. This gene was used to make a line of transgenic mice. The hybrid VDJH-C alpha protein is expressed on a subset of T cells in these mice, and we have shown that it forms part of a functional TCR complex by the criteria of coprecipitation and comodulation of CD3 and TCR beta chain components and T cell activation with anti-idiotypic antibodies or digoxin. Furthermore, in cells expressing the hybrid protein, there is allelic exclusion of endogenous TCR alpha genes. We discuss the implications for the comparative structure of T cell receptors and immunoglobulins.
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MESH Headings
- Alleles
- Animals
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/physiology
- CD3 Complex
- Digoxin/immunology
- Genes, Immunoglobulin
- Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains/genetics
- Macromolecular Substances
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/physiology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
- Recombinant Proteins/genetics
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- T-Lymphocytes/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Becker
- Department of Biology and Cancer Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla 92093
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27
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Abstract
To examine the influences responsible for shaping the T-cell repertoire in vivo, we have introduced T-cell receptors of defined specificity into mice. In this report, we analyze transgenic mice carrying a T-cell receptor alpha-chain gene from a pigeon cytochrome c-reactive T-cell line. A variant of this construct, which has the immunoglobulin heavy-chain enhancer inserted into the JC intron, was also introduced into mice. Addition of the enhancer increased the steady-state level of transgene-encoded mRNA three- to fivefold in cultured T cells, leading to a two- to threefold increase in surface expression. In vivo, the difference between these two constructs was even more significant, increasing the number of transgene-positive cells from approximately 5 to 70% and the T-cell receptor surface density two- to threefold. Surprisingly, while surface expression of either type of transgene was limited to T cells, we found little tissue specificity with respect to transcription. In T cells expressing the alpha chain from the enhancer-containing construct, immunoprecipitation with a 2B4 alpha-specific monoclonal antibody revealed the expected disulfide-linked dimer. Costaining of these T cells with the 2B4 alpha-specific monoclonal antibody versus anti-CD3 indicated that expression of the transgene-encoded alpha chain precludes expression of endogenous alpha chains on the majority of cells; in contrast, 2B4 alpha-chain expression from the construct lacking the enhancer is inefficient at suppressing endogenous alpha-chain expression. In mice of the enhancer lineage, Southern blot analysis indicated suppression of endogenous alpha-chain rearrangements in T-cell populations, consistent with the observed allelic exclusion at the cellular level. Interestingly, newborn, but not adult, mice of this lineage also showed an increase in retention of unrearranged delta-chain loci in thymocyte DNA, presumably resulting from the suppression of alpha-chain rearrangements. This observation indicates that at least a fraction of alpha:beta-positive T cells have never attempted to produce functional delta rearrangements, thus suggesting that alpha:beta and gamma:delta T cells may be derived from different T-cell compartments (at least during the early phases of T-cell differentiation).
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28
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Abstract
T cell receptors are the antigen-recognizing elements found on the effector cells of the immune system. Two isotypes have been discovered, TCR-gamma delta and TCR-alpha beta, which appear in that order during ontogeny. The maturation of prothymocytes that colonize the thymic rudiment at defined gestational stages occurs principally within the thymus, although some evidence for extrathymic maturation also exists. The maturation process includes the rearrangement and expression of the T cell receptor genes. Determination of these mechanisms, the lineages of the cells, and the subsequent thymic selection that results in self-tolerance is the central problem in developmental immunology and is important for the understanding of autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Strominger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
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29
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Korman AJ, Maruyama J, Raulet DH. Rearrangement by inversion of a T-cell receptor delta variable region gene located 3' of the delta constant region gene. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1989; 86:267-71. [PMID: 2789518 PMCID: PMC286445 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.86.1.267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We have located a T-cell receptor variable (V) delta gene segment immediately 3' of the delta constant (C) region gene and 5' to the known joining (J) alpha gene segments. This V delta gene is in the opposite transcriptional polarity to C delta and has rearranged to C delta by inversion in a gamma/delta-expressing hybridoma, DN7.3. This V delta gene is commonly rearranged in adult but not fetal gamma/delta-expressing thymocytes and has not been observed among alpha gene rearrangements reported to date. The reciprocal joining sequence isolated from this cell line contains N region nucleotides between the recombination signal sequences, in contrast to previously analyzed reciprocal joints. The results are discussed in the context of models accounting for ordered V gene usage during lymphocyte development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Korman
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Nine Cambridge Center, MA 02142
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Fowlkes
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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31
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Born W, White J, O'Brien R, Kubo R. Development of T cell receptor expression: studies using T cell hybridomas. Immunol Res 1988; 7:279-91. [PMID: 3066827 DOI: 10.1007/bf02935533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W Born
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, Colo
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32
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Berg LJ, Fazekas de St Groth B, Ivars F, Goodnow CC, Gilfillan S, Garchon HJ, Davis MM. Expression of T-cell receptor alpha-chain genes in transgenic mice. Mol Cell Biol 1988; 8:5459-69. [PMID: 3266655 PMCID: PMC365649 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.8.12.5459-5469.1988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To examine the influences responsible for shaping the T-cell repertoire in vivo, we have introduced T-cell receptors of defined specificity into mice. In this report, we analyze transgenic mice carrying a T-cell receptor alpha-chain gene from a pigeon cytochrome c-reactive T-cell line. A variant of this construct, which has the immunoglobulin heavy-chain enhancer inserted into the JC intron, was also introduced into mice. Addition of the enhancer increased the steady-state level of transgene-encoded mRNA three- to fivefold in cultured T cells, leading to a two- to threefold increase in surface expression. In vivo, the difference between these two constructs was even more significant, increasing the number of transgene-positive cells from approximately 5 to 70% and the T-cell receptor surface density two- to threefold. Surprisingly, while surface expression of either type of transgene was limited to T cells, we found little tissue specificity with respect to transcription. In T cells expressing the alpha chain from the enhancer-containing construct, immunoprecipitation with a 2B4 alpha-specific monoclonal antibody revealed the expected disulfide-linked dimer. Costaining of these T cells with the 2B4 alpha-specific monoclonal antibody versus anti-CD3 indicated that expression of the transgene-encoded alpha chain precludes expression of endogenous alpha chains on the majority of cells; in contrast, 2B4 alpha-chain expression from the construct lacking the enhancer is inefficient at suppressing endogenous alpha-chain expression. In mice of the enhancer lineage, Southern blot analysis indicated suppression of endogenous alpha-chain rearrangements in T-cell populations, consistent with the observed allelic exclusion at the cellular level. Interestingly, newborn, but not adult, mice of this lineage also showed an increase in retention of unrearranged delta-chain loci in thymocyte DNA, presumably resulting from the suppression of alpha-chain rearrangements. This observation indicates that at least a fraction of alpha:beta-positive T cells have never attempted to produce functional delta rearrangements, thus suggesting that alpha:beta and gamma:delta T cells may be derived from different T-cell compartments (at least during the early phases of T-cell differentiation).
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Berg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305
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33
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Malissen M, Trucy J, Letourneur F, Rebaï N, Dunn DE, Fitch FW, Hood L, Malissen B. A T cell clone expresses two T cell receptor alpha genes but uses one alpha beta heterodimer for allorecognition and self MHC-restricted antigen recognition. Cell 1988; 55:49-59. [PMID: 3262424 DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(88)90008-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
All of the T cell receptor alpha- and beta-chain rearrangements present in a dual reactive T cell clone were characterized. This clone exhibits allelic exclusion of its beta-chain genes in that only one of the two alleles is productively rearranged. Unexpectedly, it displays two productive V alpha-gene rearrangements, which are both transcribed into 1.5 kb mRNA. The contribution of each of the two productive alpha genes to the dual recognition was analyzed by gene transfer. To this end, each of the two alpha genes was separately transfected with the single productively rearranged beta gene. Transfer of only one of the two alpha beta combinations restored both allogeneic MHC recognition and self MHC-restricted antigen recognition. Thus, T cell dual recognition results from the cross-reactive recognition of an allo-MHC product by a single antigen-specific and MHC-restricted alpha beta T cell receptor. Furthermore, the presence of two productively rearranged alpha-chain genes in a T cell clone raises questions concerning the level at which allelic exclusion operates in T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Malissen
- Centre d'Immunologie INSERM-CNRS de Marseilles Luminy, France
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34
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Korman AJ, Marusic-Galesic S, Spencer D, Kruisbeek AM, Raulet DH. Predominant variable region gene usage by gamma/delta T cell receptor-bearing cells in the adult thymus. J Exp Med 1988; 168:1021-40. [PMID: 2971752 PMCID: PMC2189027 DOI: 10.1084/jem.168.3.1021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that the diversity of gamma genes expressed by gamma/delta-bearing murine T cells is limited, but comparable information concerning the expressed diversity of delta genes is lacking. In this study, we have investigated the rearrangement and expression of delta and gamma genes in T cell hybridomas that express gamma/delta T cell receptors. Three productive delta chain cDNA clones were isolated (delta 7.3, delta 7.1, and delta 2.3) that encode new variable region sequences. Two of the delta cDNAs differ significantly from those observed in the V alpha repertoire. In addition, one cDNA expressed a new J delta region (J delta 2), which was localized between J delta 1 and C delta genes. Using these and other delta gene probes and gamma gene probes, we found that five independent hybridomas expressed four different V delta s and three different V gamma s. However, analysis of an enriched population of gamma/delta-expressing cells from the adult thymus suggests that only a few V delta genes and one V gamma gene are used by the majority of the cells. These results suggest that important components of receptor chain that contribute to specificity (i.e., the germline V gene sequences) are relatively nondiverse in the thymic gamma/delta population.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Korman
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
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Abstract
The four distinct T-cell antigen receptor polypeptides (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) form two different heterodimers (alpha:beta and gamma:delta) that are very similar to immunoglobulins in primary sequence, gene organization and modes of rearrangement. Whereas antibodies have both soluble and membrane forms that can bind to antigens alone, T-cell receptors exist only on cell surfaces and recognize antigen fragments only when they are embedded in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Patterns of diversity in T-cell receptor genes together with structural features of immunoglobulin and MHC molecules suggest a model for how this recognition might occur. This view of T-cell recognition has implications for how the receptors might be selected in the thymus and how they (and immunoglobulins) may have arisen during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Davis
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University Medical School, California 94305-5402
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36
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Baer R, Boehm T, Yssel H, Spits H, Rabbitts TH. Complex rearrangements within the human J delta-C delta/J alpha-C alpha locus and aberrant recombination between J alpha segments. EMBO J 1988; 7:1661-8. [PMID: 2971534 DOI: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1988.tb02993.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We have examined DNA rearrangements within a 120 kb cloned region of the human T cell receptor J delta-C delta/J alpha-C alpha locus. Three types of pattern emerge from an analysis of T cell lines and clones. Firstly, cells with two rearrangements within J delta-C delta; secondly, cells with one rearrangement within J delta-C delta and one or more J alpha rearrangements, and finally, cells with rearrangements within J alpha and consequential deletion of the delta locus. Further analysis by cloning of rearrangements within the J alpha locus show that, in addition to V alpha-J alpha joins, J alpha-J alpha aberrant recombinations occur and rearrangement data indicate that such events are frequent. A model is presented to account for such recombinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Baer
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
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37
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Isobe M, Russo G, Haluska FG, Croce CM. Cloning of the gene encoding the delta subunit of the human T-cell receptor reveals its physical organization within the alpha-subunit locus and its involvement in chromosome translocations in T-cell malignancy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1988; 85:3933-7. [PMID: 2836865 PMCID: PMC280334 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.85.11.3933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
By taking advantage of "chromosomal walking" techniques, we have obtained clones that encompass the T-cell receptor (TCR) delta-chain gene. We analyzed clones spanning the entire J alpha region extending 115 kilobases 5' of the TCR alpha-chain constant region and have shown that the TCR delta-chain gene is located over 80 kilobases 5' of C alpha. TCR delta-chain gene is rearranged in the gamma/delta-expressing T-cell line Peer and is deleted in alpha/beta-expressing T-cell lines. Sequence analysis of portions of this genomic region demonstrates its identity with previously described cDNA clones corresponding to the C delta and J delta segments. Furthermore, we have analyzed a t(8;14)-(q24;q11) chromosome translocation from a T-cell leukemia and have shown that the J delta segment is rearranged in cells deriving from this tumor and probably directly involved in the translocation. Thus, the newly cloned TCR delta chain is implicated in the genesis of chromosome translocations in T-cell malignancies carrying cytogenetic abnormalities of band 14q11.
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MESH Headings
- Base Sequence
- Chromosome Mapping
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8
- Cloning, Molecular
- DNA Restriction Enzymes
- Genes
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphoid/genetics
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta
- T-Lymphocytes/physiology
- Translocation, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- M Isobe
- Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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Takashima A, Nixon-Fulton JL, Bergstresser PR, Tigelaar RE. Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal cells in mice: precursor frequency analysis and cloning of concanavalin A-reactive cells. J Invest Dermatol 1988; 90:671-8. [PMID: 2896217 DOI: 10.1111/1523-1747.ep12560835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Bulk cultures of mouse Thy-1+ dendritic epidermal cells (Thy-1+ DEC) have been shown to proliferate in response to concanavalin A (Con A) and IL-2, to secrete IL-2-like growth factors, and to lyse target cells such as YAC-1. Limiting dilution microculture was utilized in order to determine the precursor frequency of Con A-responsive Thy-1+ DEC in suspensions of AKR/J epidermal cells as well as whether these several functional activities all reside within a single Thy-1+ DEC precursor. Precursor frequency analysis of cultures established with limiting numbers of FACS-purified Thy-1+ DEC, irradiated syngeneic splenic filler cells and exogenous IL-2 indicated that approximately 20% of Thy-1+ DEC proliferated in response to Con A. Parallel microcultures in which purified Thy-1+ DEC were plated at a density of 0.5 cells/well were used to establish clones. Twenty clones were characterized phenotypically, and ten of these were also tested for their capacities to proliferate in response to Con A or IL-2, to secrete IL-2-like growth factors, and to exhibit cytotoxicity. All clones were Thy-1+ and L3T4-, but while most were also Lyt-2-, several contained 3%-18% dull Lyt-2+ cells. Functional studies revealed that each clone displayed all of the above functional activities, albeit with substantial quantitative variation. Clones with the highest cytotoxic activity had relatively low responsiveness to Con A or IL-2 and included all clones containing dull Lyt-2+ cells; conversely, clones with the highest proliferative responses had relatively low cytotoxic activity and were all Lyt-2-. This degree of functional and phenotypic heterogeneity among cloned Thy-1+ DEC may reflect their particular states of activation or differentiation; whether it reflects the biologically relevant in vivo activities of these cells must still be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Takashima
- Departments of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235
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39
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Uematsu Y, Ryser S, Dembić Z, Borgulya P, Krimpenfort P, Berns A, von Boehmer H, Steinmetz M. In transgenic mice the introduced functional T cell receptor beta gene prevents expression of endogenous beta genes. Cell 1988; 52:831-41. [PMID: 3258191 DOI: 10.1016/0092-8674(88)90425-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic mice were constructed with a functional T cell receptor beta gene. Transcription of the introduced gene is largely confined to T cells, but low levels of transcripts are also seen in B cells and in other tissues. Serological analyses show that most, if not all, of the T lymphocytes express the transgenic beta chain on the cell surface and lack beta chains encoded by endogenous beta genes. Molecular genetic analyses of uncloned and cloned T lymphocytes demonstrate that rearrangement of endogenous beta genes is incomplete. Partial D beta 1-J beta 1 rearrangements are found preferentially, while complete VDJ rearrangements are not seen. These findings show that expression of the transgene regulates the rearrangement of endogenous beta genes. Although the alpha beta T cell receptors of the transgenic mice are homogeneous with respect to the beta chain, they are fully functional, at least in a variety of allogeneic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Uematsu
- Basel Institute for Immunology, Switzerland
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40
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41
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Lindsten T, Lee NE, Davis MM. Organization of the T-cell antigen-receptor beta-chain locus in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1987; 84:7639-43. [PMID: 3478716 PMCID: PMC299355 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.84.21.7639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We used pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to determine the organization of the beta-chain gene of the T-cell receptor for antigen in normal and mutant inbred strains of mice. In normal mice, the variable (V)- and constant (C)- region elements of this locus span 700-800 kilobases of chromosomal DNA. All but one of the V beta gene segments analyzed lie 5' of the J beta C beta locus (J beta represents the joining region), with the closest being 280-360 kilobases away. The mutant mouse strain SJL has an internal V beta-region gene deletion that compacts the V beta region by 100-200 kilobases. Taken together with other data, these results indicate that the beta-chain locus can use either a looping-out/deletion or an inversion mechanism to appose V beta to DJ beta gene segments (D is the diversity region) and can accomplish the former (at least) over very large distances.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Lindsten
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305
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