Abstract
Advances in gene technology have allowed the manipulation of molecular interactions that shape the T cell repertoire. Although recognized as fundamental aspects of T lymphocyte development, only recently have the mechanisms governing positive and negative selection been examined at a molecular level. Positive selection refers to the active process of rescuing MHC-restricted thymocytes from programmed cell death. Negative selection refers to the deletion or inactivation of potentially autoreactive thymocytes. This review focuses on interactions during thymocyte maturation that define the T cell repertoire, with an emphasis placed on current literature within this field.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Apoptosis
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Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
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Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism
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Cell Differentiation
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Cell Survival
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Humans
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Isoenzymes / metabolism
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Major Histocompatibility Complex
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Models, Biological
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Peptides / immunology
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Phospholipase C gamma
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / genetics
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism
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Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / metabolism
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T-Lymphocytes / cytology
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Type C Phospholipases / metabolism
Substances
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Isoenzymes
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Peptides
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
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Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
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Transcription Factors
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Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases
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Type C Phospholipases
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Phospholipase C gamma