Negative selection of thymocytes: A novel polymerase chain reaction-based molecular analysis detects requirements for macromolecular synthesis

Luciano D'Adamio, Linda K. Clayton, Katherine M. Awad, Ellis L. Reinherz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Self-tolerance is mainly established through clonal deletion of autoreactive T cells during thymic differentiation. The mechanisms by which deletion is achieved are poorly understood. Here we use a specific polymerase chain reaction-based system to characterize DNA fragmentation and show that after in vivo treatment of neonatal mice with staphylococcus enterotoxin B, selective apoptosis of Vβ8+ thymocytes occurs. This process precedes detectable deletion of Vβ8+ cells as determined by phenotypic analysis. Moreover, in vivo administration of cycloheximide and, to a lesser extent, actinomycin D, inhibits apoptosis of staphylococcus enterotoxin B specific thymocytes. Thus, macromolecular synthesis is a requirement for negative selection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3550-3553
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume149
Issue number11
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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