Abstract
We previously reported that precursors within the keratin (K) 8+5+ thymic epithelial cell (TEC) subset generate the major cortical K8+5- TEC population in a process dependent on T lineage commitment. This report demonstrates that expression of a cyclin D1 transgene in K8+5+ TECs expands this subset and promotes TEC and thymocyte development. Cyclin D1 transgene expression is not sufficient to induce TEC differentiation in the absence of T lineage-committed thymocytes because TECs from both hCD3ε transgenic and hCD3ε/cyclin D1 double transgenic mice remain blocked at the K8+5+ maturation stage. However, enforced cyclin D1 expression does expand the developmental window during which K8+5+ cells can differentiate in response to normal hemopoietic precursors. Thus, enhancement of thymic function may be achieved by manipulating the growth and/or survival of TEC precursors within the K8+5+ subset.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1881-1888 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Immunology |
Volume | 164 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 15 2000 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology