Abstract
OX40 is a member of the TNF receptor family expressed on activated and regulatory T (Treg) cells. Using an Ox40-cre allele for lineage marking, we found that a subpopulation of naive T cells had also previously expressed OX40 in the thymus. Ox40-cre was induced in a small fraction of thymocytes that were OX40(+), some of which were CD25(high) Treg cell precursors. Thymic OX40 expression distinguished cells experiencing a strong signaling response to positive selection. Naive T cells that had previously expressed OX40 demonstrated a partially activated phenotype that was distinct from that of most naive T cells. The results are consistent with the selection of Treg cells and a minor subpopulation of naive T cells being dependent on strong signaling responses to thymic self ligands.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Gene Expression Regulation
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Genes, Reporter / genetics
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Hyaluronan Receptors / genetics
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Hyaluronan Receptors / immunology
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Hyaluronan Receptors / metabolism
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Integrases / genetics
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Integrases / metabolism
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Ligands
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Lymph Nodes / immunology
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Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
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Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
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Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology*
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Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism*
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Mice
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Mice, Transgenic
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OX40 Ligand
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
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Signal Transduction / immunology
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Thymus Gland / enzymology
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Thymus Gland / immunology*
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Tumor Necrosis Factors / genetics
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Tumor Necrosis Factors / immunology*
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Tumor Necrosis Factors / metabolism*
Substances
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Hyaluronan Receptors
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Ligands
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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OX40 Ligand
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
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Tnfsf4 protein, mouse
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Tumor Necrosis Factors
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Cre recombinase
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Integrases