Positive selection of CD8+ T cells induced by major histocompatibility complex binding peptides in fetal thymic organ culture.

摘要: We have used an in vitro system to study the effects of major histocompatibility complex class I binding peptides on thymic development. Fetal thymus lobes from mice deficient light chain (beta 2 microglobulin or beta M-/-) were cultured for 10 d vitro, during which time T cell precursors develop into mature cells. In these organ cultures, as adult neonatal M-/- thymus, CD8+ cells did not develop, demonstrating that seen early murine development are result positive selection process. To cultures we added various with without a source exogenous 2M. developed degrees only presence 2M and peptides. Using peptide mixtures differing complexity, showed efficiency this process is dependent more complexity than concentration. These data argue specific role selection. Furthermore, culture should be useful identifying can promote expressing receptor (TCR) TCR transgenic mice.