Selective expression of CD8 alpha (Ly-2) subunit on activated thymic gamma/delta cells

Eur J Immunol. 1990 Apr;20(4):927-30. doi: 10.1002/eji.1830200431.

Abstract

Although most cells of the T cell receptor (TcR) gamma/delta lineage are CD4-CD8-, some gamma/delta cells express CD8. We show here that mouse thymic gamma/delta cells express CD8 following in vitro activation by concanavalin A. Staining with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to the CD8 alpha (Ly-2) and CD8 beta (Ly-3) subunits indicates that only CD8 alpha is expressed by these activated TcR gamma/delta cells. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation and reduced/nonreduced gel analysis reveals that thymic gamma/delta cells express CD8 alpha as a homodimer. In contrast, similarly activated TcR alpha/beta cells express a conventional CD8 alpha/CD8 beta heterodimer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / analysis*
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / analysis*
  • CD4 Antigens / analysis
  • CD8 Antigens
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / analysis*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
  • CD4 Antigens
  • CD8 Antigens
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta