Role of-the common cytokine receptor gamma chain (gamma(c)) in thymocyte selection

During thymocyte development,, T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha beta-mediated in tracellular signals can elicit two entirely different cellular responses: p ositive selection (resulting in rescue from death and maturation or differe ntiation) and negative selection (induction of apoptosis). Here, Hiroshi Na kajima and colleagues discuss how survival signals that ave dependent on th e common cytokine receptor gamma drain (gamma(c)) might affect the TCR-driv en selection process in thymocytes, underscoring the potential role of cyto kines in this process.