T Cell Development Flashcards
1
Q
How long does it take to make a T cell?
A
about one week
2
Q
Goals of Thymocyte Development
A
- repertoire diversity (VDJ rearrangement)
- MHC restriction (positive selection)
- lineage commitment (choose between CD4+8)
- eliminate autoreactive cells (negative selection)
3
Q
How does negative selection work?
A
lymphocytes that recognise self-antigen are eliminated by clonal deletion
4
Q
What happens in B2microglobulin knockout mice
A
- MHC class 1 is less stable on the surface
- lower steady state levels of MHC class 1
- about 5-10% of normal
5
Q
What happens in AB knockout mice in H-2b
A
- H-2b mice unable to express Ea
- no MHC class 2 detectable on surface of cells in these mice
6
Q
What is the apparent rationale behind positive selection for T cells?
A
Ability to bind self-MHC/self peptide slightly is the best predictor of ability to bind self-MHC/ foreign peptide well
