Expansion of an Unusual Virtual Memory CD8 + Subpopulation Bearing Vα3.2 TCR in Themis-Deficient Mice

摘要: Deletion of the gene for Themis affects T cell selection in thymus, which would be expected to affect TCR repertoire. We found an increased proportion cells expressing Vα3.2 (TRAV9N-3) peripheral CD8+ population mice with germline deficiency. Analysis TCRα repertoire indicated it was generally reduced diversity absence Themis, whereas sequences using TRAV9N-3 V-region element increased. In wild type mice, Vα3.2+ showed higher CD5, CD6 and CD44 expression than non-Vα3-expressing cells, this more marked from Themis-deficient mice. This suggested a virtual memory phenotype, as well stronger response self-pMHC. The responded strongly IL-15, showing bystander effector capability Listeria infection. Thus, unusually large periphery reflects not only altered thymic selection, but also allowed identification subset bystander-competent that are present wild-type