Different gamma delta T-cell receptors are expressed on thymocytes at different stages of development.

Abstract
We have analyzed the structural diversity of the murine .gamma..delta.T-cell receptor (TCR) heterodimer expressed on CD4- CD8- thymocyte populations and on TCR .gamma..delta.-expressing hybridomas derived from thymocytes of fetal, newborn, and adult mice. We found that CD4- CD8- thymocytes derived from mice of different pre- and postnatal age preferentially express a .gamma..delta.TCR encoded by different subsets of .gamma. and .delta. gene segments. This age-dependent differential expression of .gamma..delta. TCR on thymocytes seems to be accomplished in part by a specific control of rearranged .gamma. genes operating at the level of transcription and/or RNA stability. We discuss the implications of these findings with respect to the recognition roles of the .gamma..delta.TCR.