Phenotypic characterization of CD3-7+ cells in developing human intestine and an analysis of their ability to differentiate into T cells

Gunther, Ute, Holloway, Judith A., Gordon, John G., Knight, Andrea, Chance, Victoria, Hanley, Neil A., Wilson, David I., French, Ruth, Spencer, Jo, Steer, Howard, Anderson, Graham and MacDonald, Thomas T. (2005) Phenotypic characterization of CD3-7+ cells in developing human intestine and an analysis of their ability to differentiate into T cells. Journal of Immunology, 174 (9), 5414-5422.

Abstract

We have identified a large population of CD3–7+ cells in human fetal gut. Three- and four-color flow cytometry revealed a distinct surface Ag profile on this population; the majority were negative for CD4 and CD8, whereas most of the remainder expressed the CD8?? homodimer. In contrast about half of CD3+ cells expressed CD4 and half expressed CD8?. A large proportion of CD3–7+ cells expressed CD56, CD94, and CD161, and whereas CD3+ T cells also expressed CD161, they only rarely expressed CD56 or CD94. Further studies were conducted to determine whether the CD3–7+ cells have the potential to differentiate into CD3+ cells. About half of CD3–7+ cells contain intracellular CD3?. Rearranged TCR ?-chains were detected in highly purified CD3–7+ cells as an early molecular sign of T cell commitment, and the pattern of rearrangement with V regions spliced to the most 5' J? segment is reminiscent of early thymocyte differentiation. In reaggregate thymic organ cultures, CD3–7+ cells also gave rise to CD3+ T cells. Thus, we demonstrate that the CD3–7+ cells present in the human fetal gut display a distinct phenotype and are able to develop into CD3+ T cells.

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Contributors

Author: Judith A. Holloway

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