Human intrathymic lineage commitment is marked by differential CD7 expression: identification of CD7- lympho-myeloid thymic progenitors.

ABSTRACT: The identity and lineage potential of the cells that initiate thymopoiesis remain controversial. The goal of these studies was to determine, at a clonal level, the immunophenotype and differentiation pathways of the earliest progenitors in human thymus. Although the majority of human CD34(+)lin(-) thymocytes express high levels of CD7, closer analysis reveals that a continuum of CD7 expression exists, and 1% to 2% of progenitors are CD7(-). CD34(+)lin(-) thymocytes were fractionated by CD7 expression and tested for lineage potential in B-lymphoid, T-lymphoid, and myeloid-erythroid conditions. Progressive restriction in lineage potential correlated with CD7 expression, that is, the CD7(hi) fraction produced T and NK cells but lacked B and myelo-erythroid potential, the CD7(int) (CD10(+)) fr

SUBMITTER: Hao QL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2214748 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature