Surface molecules essential for positive selection are retained but interfered in thymic epithelial cells after monolayer culture.

摘要: Abstract It has been reported that the three-dimensional structure of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) is responsible for positive selection but this ability disappears when TECs are cultured in monolayer. These results have supported hypothesis certain TEC-specific molecules extinguished during monolayer culture. In study, using MHC class II-restricted T-cell receptor transgenic mice, we demonstrated preselected CD4 + 8 (DP) thymocytes were inhibited from developing into − (CD4SP) reaggregate thymus organ culture with monolayer-cultured TECs, inhibition was removed protein synthesis inhibitor or treated fixative. seem to be inconsistent previous and indicate allows retain surface necessary interferes their function, which must sustained three dimensional structure.