Modulation of the murine CD8 gene complex following the targeted integration of human CD2-locus control region sequences

J Immunol. 2011 Oct 1;187(7):3712-20. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1100709. Epub 2011 Aug 31.

Abstract

The human CD2 (hCD2) locus control region (LCR) inserted in the mouse CD8 gene complex activates expression of the CD8 genes in T cell subsets in which the CD8 locus is normally silenced (e.g., CD4(+) single-positive T cells). In this article, we show that, in conditional mCD8/hCD2-LCR (CD8/LCR) knock-in mice, the continuous presence of the hCD2-LCR is required for this effect. Deletion of the inserted hCD2-LCR in a developmental stage and cell lineage-specific manner revealed that the temporary presence of the LCR during early development does not permanently alter the expression pattern of the CD8 genes. As a result, cells that have been affected by the insertion of the LCR can convert to their destined phenotype once the LCR is removed. DNaseI hypersensitive sites 1 and 2 of the hCD2-LCR influence the expression of the CD8 genes in a similar manner as does the full LCR, whereas insertion of hypersensitive site 3 alone of the LCR does not result in a changed expression pattern. This analysis revealed a dynamic interaction between the hCD2-LCR and the endogenous regulatory elements of the CD8 genes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Southern
  • CD2 Antigens / genetics*
  • CD2 Antigens / immunology
  • CD8 Antigens / genetics*
  • CD8 Antigens / immunology
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Cell Lineage / genetics
  • Cell Lineage / immunology
  • Cell Separation
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology*
  • Gene Knock-In Techniques
  • Humans
  • Locus Control Region / genetics*
  • Locus Control Region / immunology
  • Lymphopoiesis / genetics*
  • Mice
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • CD2 Antigens
  • CD8 Antigens