T-CELL DEVELOPMENT IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PRE-T-CELL RECEPTOR

The development of pre-T-cells with productive T-cell receptor beta (T CR beta) rearrangements can be furthered by each of the pre-T-cell rec eptors (pre-TCR), the alpha beta TCR as well as the gamma delta TCR, a lbeit by distinct mechanisms, While the gamma delta TCR affects CD4(-) 8(-) precursor cells irrespective of their TCR beta rearrangement stat us both the pre-TCR and the alpha beta TCR select only cells with prod uctive TCR beta genes for expansion and maturation. The alpha beta TCR is much less effective than the pre-TCR because of the paucity of TCR alpha proteins in TCR beta positive precursors. (C) 1997 Elsevier Sci ence B.V.