What question did this study set out to answer?

To determine whether functional human gamma delta T cells can develop extrathymically within the fetal liver prior to thymus formation.

October 1, 1996The Journal of Immunology

Extrathymic origin of human gamma delta T cells during fetal development

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Authors

LMLaila D. McVayCalifornia University of Pennsylvania SCSimon R. CardingUniversity of East Anglia

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Implication

Developmental analysis reveals extrathymic generation of functional gamma delta T cells in the early human fetal liver, suggesting a critical role in early prenatal immunity.

Key Points

To determine whether functional human gamma delta T cells can develop extrathymically within the fetal liver prior to thymus formation.
Examined T-cell receptor (TCR) V gamma and V delta gene expression and rearrangements in five human fetal liver samples (N=5) between 7 and 11 weeks of gestation.
Tracked de novo generation of V gamma 9/V delta 2+ gamma delta T cells isolated from male fetal livers using male-specific SRY gene expression.
Cloned fetal V gamma 9/V delta 2+ T cells to sequence receptor motifs and evaluated in vitro functional reactivity against mycobacterial antigens.
V gamma 9/V delta 2+ gamma delta T cells constituted the predominant T-cell population in fetal liver at 7 to 11 weeks of gestation and expressed donor-specific SRY, confirming de novo local generation prior to thymic development.
TCR sequence analysis across all five liver samples showed preferential expression of invariant canonical V gamma 9-JP chains paired with V delta 2-D delta 3-J delta 1/3 chains carrying non-germline structural motifs.
Isolated fetal gamma delta T cells expressing these restricted receptor chains were functionally mature and mounted productive immune responses to mycobacterial antigens.

Cite This Study

McVay et al. (1996) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69df23e9acbf09c32e614328 https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.157.7.2873

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Implication

Developmental analysis reveals extrathymic generation of functional gamma delta T cells in the early human fetal liver, suggesting a critical role in early prenatal immunity.

Extrathymic origin of human gamma delta T cells during fetal development

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Extrathymic origin of human gamma delta T cells during fetal development

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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