Abstract
We have characterized dendritic cell precursors (pre-DC) in the human thymus. These CD1a(-)CD3(-)CD4(+)CD8(-) cells express high levels of interleukin-3Ralpha (IL-3Ralpha) on the membrane and are able to develop into mature DC upon culture with IL-3 and CD40 ligation. The DC precursors are predominantly located in the thymic medulla. Interestingly, the pre-DC express pTalpha mRNA, which is also present in CD1a(+)CD3(-)CD4(+)CD8(-) pre-T cells. Yet, the pre-DC lack expression of recombination activating gene-1 mRNA and fail to develop into T cells in appropriate assays. The thymic pre-DC are very similar to the recently characterized pre-DC found in the T cell areas of the tonsil, and it is suggested that these pre-DC populations are of lymphoid origin.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens, CD / analysis
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CD40 Ligand
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Cell Differentiation / drug effects
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Cell Lineage
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Child, Preschool
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Coculture Techniques
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Dendritic Cells / cytology*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
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Homeodomain Proteins / biosynthesis
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
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Humans
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Infant
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Infant, Newborn
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Interleukin-3 / pharmacology
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Lymphoid Tissue / cytology
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Membrane Glycoproteins / biosynthesis*
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Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
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Membrane Glycoproteins / pharmacology
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Microscopy, Confocal
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Organ Specificity
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Palatine Tonsil / cytology
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RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
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RNA, Messenger / genetics
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
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Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Stem Cells / cytology*
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Stem Cells / drug effects
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Stem Cells / metabolism
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Thymus Gland / cytology*
Substances
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Antigens, CD
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Homeodomain Proteins
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Interleukin-3
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
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pre-T cell receptor alpha
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RAG-1 protein
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CD40 Ligand