A critical role for the T cell receptor alpha-chain connecting peptide domain in positive selection of CD1-independent NKT cells

Citation
M. Capone et al., A critical role for the T cell receptor alpha-chain connecting peptide domain in positive selection of CD1-independent NKT cells, EUR J IMMUN, 31(6), 2001, pp. 1867-1875
Citations number
27
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Immunology
Journal title
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
ISSN journal
0014-2980 → ACNP
Volume
31
Issue
6
Year of publication
2001
Pages
1867 - 1875
Database
ISI
SICI code
0014-2980(200106)31:6<1867:ACRFTT>2.0.ZU;2-8
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of mature alpha beta TCR+ cells t hat co-express NK lineage markers. Whereas most NKT cells express a canonic al V alpha 14/V beta8.2 TCR and are selected by CD1d, a minority of NKT cel ls express a diverse TCR repertoire and develop independently of CD1d. Litt le is known about the selection requirements of CD1d-independent NKT cells. We show here that NKT cells develop in RAG-deficient mice expressing an MH C class II-restricted transgenic TCR (V alpha2/V beta8.1) but only under co nditions that lead to negative selection of conventional T cells. Moreover development of NKT cells in these mice is absolutely dependent upon an inta ct TCR alpha -chain connecting peptide domain, which is required for positi ve selection of conventional T cells via recruitment of the ERK signaling p athway. Collectively our data demonstrate that NKT cells can develop as a r esult of high avidity TCR/MHC class II interactions and suggest that common signaling pathways are involved in the positive selection of CD1d-independ ent NKT cells and conventional T cells.