The murine interleukin‐2 receptor γ chain gene: Organization, chromosomal localization and expression in the adult thymus

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Defects in the interleukin‐2 receptor γ (IL‐2Rγ) chain in man result in an X‐linked severe combined immunodeficiency, SCIDX1, characterized by an absence of T‐cell differentiation. This phenotype may result from pertubations in IL‐2‐, IL‐4‐, IL‐7‐ or IL‐15‐mediated signaling, as the IL‐2Rγ chain forms an integral component of these receptor systems. We have isolated and characterized cDNA and genomic clones for the murine IL‐2Rγ. The gene (Il2rg) is well conserved between mouse and man with respect to overall structure and size, and contains regions of high conservation in the promoter region as well. Il2rg maps to mouse X chromosome region 40, in a region of synteny with human Xq12‐13.1. We have also explored the expression of the IL‐2Rγ during thymocyte development. IL‐2Rγ transcripts are detected in the earliest thymocyte precursor cells and persist throughout intrathymic development into the mature peripheral compartment. Genomic clones for the murine IL‐2Rγ will allow for further studies on the regulation and function of this gene in vivo.