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Hu Y, Hu Q, Li Y, Lu L, Xiang Z, Yin Z, Kabelitz D, Wu Y. γδ T cells: origin and fate, subsets, diseases and immunotherapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:434. [PMID: 37989744 PMCID: PMC10663641 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01653-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The intricacy of diseases, shaped by intrinsic processes like immune system exhaustion and hyperactivation, highlights the potential of immune renormalization as a promising strategy in disease treatment. In recent years, our primary focus has centered on γδ T cell-based immunotherapy, particularly pioneering the use of allogeneic Vδ2+ γδ T cells for treating late-stage solid tumors and tuberculosis patients. However, we recognize untapped potential and optimization opportunities to fully harness γδ T cell effector functions in immunotherapy. This review aims to thoroughly examine γδ T cell immunology and its role in diseases. Initially, we elucidate functional differences between γδ T cells and their αβ T cell counterparts. We also provide an overview of major milestones in γδ T cell research since their discovery in 1984. Furthermore, we delve into the intricate biological processes governing their origin, development, fate decisions, and T cell receptor (TCR) rearrangement within the thymus. By examining the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor functions of distinct γδ T cell subtypes based on γδTCR structure or cytokine release, we emphasize the importance of accurate subtyping in understanding γδ T cell function. We also explore the microenvironment-dependent functions of γδ T cell subsets, particularly in infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions, hematological malignancies, and solid tumors. Finally, we propose future strategies for utilizing allogeneic γδ T cells in tumor immunotherapy. Through this comprehensive review, we aim to provide readers with a holistic understanding of the molecular fundamentals and translational research frontiers of γδ T cells, ultimately contributing to further advancements in harnessing the therapeutic potential of γδ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Qinglin Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Zheng Xiang
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Zhinan Yin
- Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China.
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China.
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Boehme L, Roels J, Taghon T. Development of γδ T cells in the thymus - A human perspective. Semin Immunol 2022; 61-64:101662. [PMID: 36374779 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
γδ T cells are increasingly emerging as crucial immune regulators that can take on innate and adaptive roles in the defence against pathogens. Although they arise within the thymus from the same hematopoietic precursors as conventional αβ T cells, the development of γδ T cells is less well understood. In this review, we focus on summarising the current state of knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in the generation of γδ T cells in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Boehme
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juliette Roels
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Taghon
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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Gebert C, Correia L, Li Z, Petrie HT, Love PE, Pfeifer K. Chromosome choice for initiation of V-(D)-J recombination is not governed by genomic imprinting. Immunol Cell Biol 2017; 95:473-477. [PMID: 28244489 PMCID: PMC5788196 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2017.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
V-(D)-J recombination generates the antigen receptor diversity necessary for immune cell function, while allelic exclusion ensures that each cell expresses a single antigen receptor. V-(D)-J recombination of the Ig, Tcrb, Tcrg and Tcrd antigen receptor genes is ordered and sequential so that only one allele generates a productive rearrangement. The mechanism controlling sequential rearrangement of antigen receptor genes, in particular how only one allele is selected to initiate recombination while at least temporarily leaving the other intact, remains unresolved. Genomic imprinting, a widespread phenomenon wherein maternal or paternal allele inheritance determines allele activity, could represent a regulatory mechanism for controlling sequential V-(D)-J rearrangement. We used strain-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms within antigen receptor genes to determine if maternal vs paternal inheritance could underlie chromosomal choice for the initiation of recombination. We found no parental chromosomal bias in the initiation of V-(D)-J recombination in T or B cells, eliminating genomic imprinting as a potential regulator for this tightly regulated process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gebert
- Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 USA
| | - Lauren Correia
- Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 USA
| | - Zhenhu Li
- Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 USA
| | | | - Paul E Love
- Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 USA
| | - Karl Pfeifer
- Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 USA
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Outters P, Jaeger S, Zaarour N, Ferrier P. Long-Range Control of V(D)J Recombination & Allelic Exclusion: Modeling Views. Adv Immunol 2015; 128:363-413. [PMID: 26477371 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Allelic exclusion of immunoglobulin (Ig) and T-cell receptor (TCR) genes ensures the development of B and T lymphocytes operating under the mode of clonal selection. This phenomenon associates asynchronous V(D)J recombination events at Ig or TCR alleles and inhibitory feedback control. Despite years of intense research, however, the mechanisms that sustain asymmetric choice in random Ig/TCR dual allele usage and the production of Ig/TCR monoallelic expressing B and T lymphocytes remain unclear and open for debate. In this chapter, we first recapitulate the biological evidence that almost from the start appeared to link V(D)J recombination and allelic exclusion. We review the theoretical models previously proposed to explain this connection. Finally, we introduce our own mathematical modeling views based on how the developmental dynamics of individual lymphoid cells combine to sustain allelic exclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernelle Outters
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Sébastien Jaeger
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Nancy Zaarour
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Ferrier
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille Université UM2, Inserm, U1104, CNRS UMR7280, 13288 Marseille, France.
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Carico Z, Krangel MS. Chromatin Dynamics and the Development of the TCRα and TCRδ Repertoires. Adv Immunol 2015; 128:307-61. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Visualization and quantification of monoallelic TCRα gene rearrangement in αβ T cells. Immunol Cell Biol 2014; 92:409-16. [PMID: 24418818 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2013.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
T-cell receptor α (TCRα) chain rearrangement is not constrained by allelic exclusion and thus αβ T cells frequently have rearranged both alleles of this locus. Thereby, stepwise secondary rearrangements of both TCRα loci further increase the odds for generation of an α-chain that can be positively selected in combination with a pre-existing TCRβ chain. Previous studies estimated that approximately 2-12% of murine and human αβ T cells still carry one TCRα locus in germline configuration, which must comprise a partially or even fully rearranged TCRδ locus. However, these estimates are based on a relatively small amount of individual αβ T-cell clones and αβ T-cell hybridomas analyzed to date. To address this issue more accurately, we made use of a mouse model, in which a fluorescent reporter protein is introduced into the constant region of the TCRδ locus. In this TcrdH2BeGFP system, fluorescence emanating from retained TCRδ loci enabled us to quantify monoallelically rearranged αβ T cells on a single-cell basis. Via fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, we determined the frequency of monoallelic TCRα rearrangements to be 1.7% in both peripheral CD4(+) and CD8(+) αβ T cells. Furthermore, we found a skewed 5' Jα gene utilization of the rearranged TCRα allele in T cells with monoallelic TCRα rearrangements. This is in line with previous descriptions of a tight interallelic positional coincidence of Jα gene segments used on both TCRα alleles. Finally, analysis of T cells from transgenic mice harboring only one functional TCRα locus implied the existence of very rare unusual translocation or episomal reintegration events of formerly excised TCRδ loci.
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Sherwood AM, Desmarais C, Livingston RJ, Andriesen J, Haussler M, Carlson CS, Robins H. Deep sequencing of the human TCRγ and TCRβ repertoires suggests that TCRβ rearranges after αβ and γδ T cell commitment. Sci Transl Med 2011; 3:90ra61. [PMID: 21734177 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3002536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
T lymphocytes respond to a broad array of pathogens with the combinatorial diversity of the T cell receptor (TCR). This adaptive response is possible because of the unique structure of the TCR, which is composed of two chains, either αβ or γδ, that undergo genetic rearrangement in the thymus. αβ and γδ T cells are functionally distinct within the host but are derived from a common multipotent precursor. The canonical model for T cell lineage commitment assumes that the γ, δ, and β chains rearrange before αβ or γδ T cell commitment. To test the standard model in humans, we used high-throughput sequencing to catalog millions of TCRγ and TCRβ chains from peripheral blood αβ and γδ T cells from three unrelated individuals. Almost all sampled αβ and γδ T cells had rearranged TCRγ sequences. Although sampled αβ T cells had a diverse repertoire of rearranged TCRβ chains, less than 4% of γδ T cells in peripheral blood had a rearranged TCRβ chain. Our data suggest that TCRγ rearranges in all T lymphocytes, consistent with TCRγ rearranging before T cell lineage commitment. However, rearrangement of the TCRβ locus appears to be restricted after T cell precursors commit to the αβ T cell lineage. Indeed, in T cell leukemias and lymphomas, TCRγ is almost always rearranged and TCRβ is only rearranged in a subset of cancers. Because high-throughput sequencing of TCRs is translated into the clinic for monitoring minimal residual for leukemia/lymphoma, our data suggest the sequencing target should be TCRγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Sherwood
- Adaptive TCR, 307 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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Repertoire development and the control of cytotoxic/effector function in human gammadelta T cells. Clin Dev Immunol 2010; 2010:732893. [PMID: 20396597 PMCID: PMC2854522 DOI: 10.1155/2010/732893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2009] [Accepted: 02/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
T cells develop into two major populations distinguished by their T cell receptor (TCR) chains. Cells with the alphabeta TCR generally express CD4 or CD8 lineage markers and mostly fall into helper or cytotoxic/effector subsets. Cells expressing the alternate gammadelta TCR in humans generally do not express lineage markers, do not require MHC for antigen presentation, and recognize nonpeptidic antigens. We are interested in the dominant Vgamma2Vdelta2+ T cell subset in human peripheral blood and the control of effector function in this population. We review the literature on gammadelta T cell generation and repertoire selection, along with recent work on CD56 expression and defining a cytotoxic/effector lineage within the phosphoantigen-reactive Vgamma2Vdelta2 cells. A unique mechanism for MHC-independent repertoire selection is linked to the control of effector function that is vital to the role for gammadelta T cells in tumor surveillance. Better understanding of these mechanisms will improve our ability to exploit this population for tumor immunotherapy.
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Legrand F, Driss V, Woerly G, Loiseau S, Hermann E, Fournié JJ, Héliot L, Mattot V, Soncin F, Gougeon ML, Dombrowicz D, Capron M. A functional gammadeltaTCR/CD3 complex distinct from gammadeltaT cells is expressed by human eosinophils. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5926. [PMID: 19536290 PMCID: PMC2693924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 05/13/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eosinophils are effector cells during parasitic infections and allergic responses. However, their contribution to innate immunity has been only recently unravelled. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Here we show that human eosinophils express CD3 and gammadelta T Cell Receptor (TCR) but not alphabeta TCR. Surface expression of gammadeltaTCR/CD3 is heterogeneous between eosinophil donors and inducible by mycobacterial ligands. Surface immunoprecipitation revealed expression of the full gammadeltaTCR/CD3 complex. Real-time PCR amplification for CD3, gamma and delta TCR constant regions transcripts showed a significantly lower expression in eosinophils than in gammadeltaT cells. Limited TCR rearrangements occur in eosinophils as shown by spectratyping analysis of CDR3 length profiles and in situ hybridization. Release by eosinophils of Reactive Oxygen Species, granule proteins, Eosinophil Peroxidase and Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin and cytokines (IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha) was observed following activation by gammadeltaTCR-specific agonists or by mycobacteria. These effects were inhibited by anti-gammadeltaTCR blocking antibodies and antagonists. Moreover, gammadeltaTCR/CD3 was involved in eosinophil cytotoxicity against tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results provide evidence that human eosinophils express a functional gammadeltaTCR/CD3 with similar, but not identical, characteristics to gammadeltaTCR from gammadeltaT cells. We propose that this receptor contributes to eosinophil innate responses against mycobacteria and tumors and may represent an additional link between lymphoid and myeloid lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Legrand
- Inserm U547, Lille, France
- Université Lille - Nord de France, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Virginie Driss
- Inserm U547, Lille, France
- Université Lille - Nord de France, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Gaëtane Woerly
- Inserm U547, Lille, France
- Université Lille - Nord de France, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sylvie Loiseau
- Inserm U547, Lille, France
- Université Lille - Nord de France, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Emmanuel Hermann
- Inserm U547, Lille, France
- Université Lille - Nord de France, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Laurent Héliot
- Université Lille - Nord de France, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- CNRS UMR8161, Institut de Biologie de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Virginie Mattot
- Université Lille - Nord de France, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- CNRS UMR8161, Institut de Biologie de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Fabrice Soncin
- Université Lille - Nord de France, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- CNRS UMR8161, Institut de Biologie de Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - David Dombrowicz
- Inserm U547, Lille, France
- Université Lille - Nord de France, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Monique Capron
- Inserm U547, Lille, France
- Université Lille - Nord de France, Lille, France
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- * E-mail:
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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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Fronková E, Krejcí O, Kalina T, Horváth O, Trka J, Hrusák O. Lymphoid Differentiation Pathways Can Be Traced by TCR δ Rearrangements. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:2495-500. [PMID: 16081821 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.4.2495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
TCR gene rearrangement generates diversity of T lymphocytes by V(D)J recombination. Ig genes are rearranged in B cells using the same enzyme machinery. TCRD (TCR delta) genes are frequently incompletely rearranged in B precursor leukemias and recently were found in a significant portion of physiological B lymphocytes. Incomplete TCRD rearrangements (V-D) thus serve as natural indicators of previous V(D)J recombinase activity. Functional V(D)J recombinase has recently been found in murine NK precursors. We tested whether physiological NK cells and other leukocyte subpopulations contained TCR rearrangements in humans. This would provide evidence that V(D)J recombinase was active in the ancestry cells and suggest common pathways among the positive cell types. TCRD were rearranged in 3.2-36% of NK cells but not in nonlymphoid leukocytes. The previously known phenomenon of TCRD transcription in NK cells is a possible mechanism that maintains the chromatin open at the TCRD locus. In comparison, TCRG rearrangements were frequent in T cells, low to negative in B and NK cells, and negative in nonlymphoid cells, suggesting a tighter control of TCRG. Levels of TCRD rearrangements were similar among the B lymphocyte subsets (B1-B2, naive-memory). In conclusion, human NK cells pass through a differentiation step with active V(D)J recombinase similar to T and B lymphocytes and unlike nonlymphoid leukocytes. This contradicts recent challenges to the concept of separate lymphoid and myeloid differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Fronková
- Childhood Leukemia Investigation Prague, Czech Republic
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