NKT Cells in Mice Originate from Cytoplasmic CD3-Positive, CD4^-CD8^- Double-Negative Thymocytes that Express CD44 and IL-7Rα.

ABSTRACT: Although natural killer T cells (NKT cells) are thought to be generated from CD4⁺CD8⁺ (DP) thymocytes, the developmental origin of CD4^-CD8^- (DN) NKT cells has remained unclear. In this study, we found the level of NK1.1 expression was highest in DN cells, followed by CD4 and CD8 (SP) and DP cells. The level of NK1.1 expression was highest in CD44⁺CD25^- (DN₁) cells, after that CD44⁺CD25⁺ (DN₂), finally, CD44^-CD25^- (DN₃) and CD44^- CD25⁺ (DN₄) cells. Unexpectedly, cytoplasmic CD3 was not only expressed in SP and DP thymocytes but also in most DN thymocytes at various stages. The mean fluorescence of cytoplasmic and surf

SUBMITTER: Hu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6372634 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature