An analysis of α/β TCR V gene expression in the human thymus

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Abstract
We have previously analysed α/β T cell receptor (TCR) V gene usage in CD4+ and CD8 + subpopulatlons from human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and umbllical cord blood, and described a biased usage of some of the TCR Vβ genes towards the CD4+ subpopulatlon. In this report, the TCR V gene usage in single positive (SP) CD4+ or CD8+ human thymocytes was analysed. Three previously described mAb with a biased usage in PBL and umbilical cord blood also had a skewed reactivity towards the CD4+ subpopulation in SP human thymocytes. Thus, in all 12 cases Vβ5.1 and Vβ6.7, and in 11/12 cases Vβ12 were preferentially used In the CD4+CD8-, compared tothe CD4-CD8+ thymlc subpopulatlon. Altogether, these results suggest a selection process In the thymus, supposedly through the positive influence of MHC class II determinants, to be responsible for this non-random, skewed TCR V gene usage.

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