Differential contribution of chemotaxis and substrate restriction to segregation of immature and mature thymocytes.

ABSTRACT: T cell development requires sequential localization of thymocyte subsets to distinct thymic microenvironments. To address mechanisms governing this segregation, we used two-photon microscopy to visualize migration of purified thymocyte subsets in defined microenvironments within thymic slices. Double-negative (CD4(-)8(-)) and double-positive (CD4(+)8(+)) thymocytes were confined to cortex where they moved slowly without directional bias. DP cells accumulated and migrated more rapidly in a specialized inner-cortical microenvironment, but were unable to migrate on medullary substrates. In contrast, CD4 single positive (SP) thymocytes migrated directionally toward the medulla, where they accumulated and moved very rapidly. Our results revealed a requisite two-step process governing CD4 SP cel

SUBMITTER: Ehrlich LI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4106268 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature