Cutting Edge: Antigen-Dependent Regulation of Telomerase Activity in Murine T Cells

摘要: Telomeres, structures on the ends of linear chromosomes, function to maintain chromosomal integrity. Telomere shortening occurs with cell division and provides a mechanism for limiting replicative potential normal human somatic cells. Telomerase, ribonucleoprotein enzyme, synthesizes telomeric repeats termini, potentially extending capacity division. The present study demonstrates that resting T cells express little/no activity, optimal Ag-specific induction telomerase activity in vitro requires both TCR CD28-B7 costimulatory signals. Regulation during vivo Ag-dependent activation was also assessed by adoptive transfer transgenic subsequent Ag challenge. Under these conditions, induced coincident phase extensive clonal expansion. These findings suggest may represent an response functions preserve Ag-reactive lymphocytes.