ISSN:
1432-1831
Keywords:
Key words CTLA-4
;
Thymus
;
CD4+ thymocytes
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract CTLA-4 (CD152) is a T cell surface receptor with sequence homology to the co-stimulatory molecule CD28. The molecule, which is essential for the inhibitory regulation of the immune response, becomes transiently expressed on mature T cells after stimulation in vitro. In situ, CTLA-4+ T cells are enriched in the light zones of the germinal centers in human peripheral lymphoid organs. In this study we have studied expression of CTLA-4 in human thymus in situ. CTLA-4 was expressed on about one third of CD4+/CD8–/CD1– medullary thymocytes. CTLA-4 was acquired by a subset of immature (CD1+) thymocytes and lost from the mature (CD1–) subpopulation within 48 h of cell culture, suggesting that the expression on medullary thymocytes is transient. The demonstration of CTLA-4 on a substantial subpopulation of mature CD4+ thymocytes adds a new dimension to the understanding of this important molecule. When contemplating application of anti-CTLA-4 for therapy its potential influence on T cell maturation has to be taken into account.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004300050073
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