Abstract
Using genetic and phenotypic analyses, we have analyzed the developmental pathway of mouse CD1d-restricted invariant NKT cells. We provide strong evidence that similar to conventional T cells, positive selection of NKT cells occurs during a CD4(+)CD8(+) stage. Later stages of NKT cell development involved the down-regulation of both TCR and CD4 levels and therefore diverge from conventional T cell development pathways. A unique and complete dependency for development on Fyn, a Src family kinase member, also distinguishes the NKT cell and conventional T cell populations.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens, CD1 / immunology*
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Antigens, CD1d
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Cell Differentiation / immunology
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Cell Differentiation / physiology
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Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
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Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
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Mice
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Mice, Transgenic
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fyn
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / genetics
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
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Thymus Gland / cytology
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Thymus Gland / immunology*
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src-Family Kinases / metabolism
Substances
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Antigens, CD1
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Antigens, CD1d
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
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Fyn protein, mouse
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fyn
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src-Family Kinases