Evidence for a selective and multi‐step model of T cell differentiation: CD4+CD8low thymocytes selected by a transgenic T cell receptor on major histocompatibility complex class I molecules

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Abstract
We have characterized a prominent (15‐20 %) thymocyte population expressing CD4 at a high and CD8 at a low level “CD4+8lo” in mice transgenic for a T cell receptor “TCR” restricted by major histocompatibility complex “MHC” class I molecules. The results demonstrate that the CD4+8lo population is an intermediate stage between immature CD4+8+ and end‐stage CD4+8‐ thymocytes and that the survival of these cells crucially depends on the successful interaction of the transgenic TCR with self MHC class I molecules. In addition we demonstrate that the avidity of the interaction between TCR and self MHC class I molecules determines whether CD4+8lo thymocytes are found in significant numbers in this transgenic model. Our findings support a selective and multi‐step model of T cell differentiation in the thymus.