Abstract
Mice homozygous for a beta 2-microglobulin gene disruption do not express any detectable beta 2-m protein. They express little if any functional major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen on the cell surface yet are fertile and apparently healthy. They show a normal distribution of gamma delta, CD4+8+ and CD4+8- T cells, but have no mature CD4-8+ T cells and are defective in CD4-8+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Our results strongly support earlier evidence that MHC class I molecules are crucial for positive selection of T cell antigen receptor alpha beta+ CD4-8+ T cells in the thymus and call into question the non-immune functions that have been ascribed to MHC class I molecules.
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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Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
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H-2 Antigens / immunology
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / analysis
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology
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Homozygote
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Leukocyte Count
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Mice
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Mice, Mutant Strains
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Mutation
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Nucleic Acid Hybridization
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RNA, Messenger / genetics
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / analysis
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
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Receptors, Fc / physiology
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / cytology*
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology
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T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology
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beta 2-Microglobulin / deficiency*
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beta 2-Microglobulin / genetics
Substances
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H-2 Antigens
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Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
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Receptors, Fc
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beta 2-Microglobulin