Recent insights into the signals that control αβ/γδ- lineage fate

Jens Peter H. Lauritsen, Mariëlle C. Haks, Juliette M. Lefebvre, Dietmar J. Kappes, David L. Wiest

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

During thymopoiesis, two major types of mature T cells are generated that can be distinguished by the clonotypic subunits contained within their T-cell receptor (TCR) complexes: αβ T cells and γδ T cells. Although there is no consensus as to the exact developmental stage where αβ and γδ T-cell lineages diverge, γδ T cells and precursors to the αβ T-cell lineage (bearing the pre-TCR) are thought to be derived from a common CD4-CD8- double-negative precursor. The role of the TCR in αβ/γδ lineage commitment has been controversial, in particular whether different TCR isotypes intrinsically favor adoption of the corresponding lineage. Recent evidence supports a signal strength model of lineage commitment, whereby stronger signals promote γδ development and weaker signals promote adoption of the αβ fate, irrespective of the TCR isotype from which the signals originate. Moreover, differences in the amplitude of activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase- mitogen-activated protein kinase-early growth response pathway appear to play a critical role. These findings will be placed in context of previous analyses in an effort to more precisely define the signals that control T-lineage fate during thymocyte development.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)176-190
Number of pages15
JournalImmunological Reviews
Volume209
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

Keywords

  • Animals
  • Cell Lineage
  • Early Growth Response Transcription Factors/metabolism
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells/cytology
  • Humans
  • Lymphopoiesis
  • Models, Immunological
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/metabolism
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets/cytology
  • Thymus Gland/cytology
  • Time Factors

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