Intrathymic differentiation: thymocyte heterogeneity and the characterization of early T-cell precursors.

摘要: Multiparameter FCA of unfractionated or isolated subpopulations thymocytes reveals at least seven in the mouse thymus. One these subpopulations, designated dLy1 has been and characterized extensively. The data reviewed here indicate that thymocyte subpopulation, whether derived from adult fetal thymus, represents an early stage intrathymic differentiation. immature status cells was suggested by extensive similarity to a predominant cell type occurs thymic ontogeny. Its precursor role demonstrated its capacity generate cortical medullary-type vivo. expression Ly1, Thy-1 mRNA specific for beta-chain T-cell antigen receptor support commitment developmental pathway. In summary, appear be earliest committed T yet described, characterized. Further investigation should reveal this subpopulation contains subsets earlier states maturation and/or precursors already more than one lineage.