Abstract
Abstract We had previously shown that the B7-CD28 co-stimulatory pathway is important for thymic iNKT cell development. iNKT cell development is dependent on glycolipid/CD1d complex presented by CD4+ CD8+ double positive thymocytes, with no requirement for CD1d-expression on other cell types, including thymic epithelial cells (TEC), dendritic cells (DC), or B cells. However, the identity of the specific cell type(s) providing B7 co-stimulation for developing thymic iNKT is unknown. Here we have analyzed the cellular requirement for B7 expression utilizing B7 conditional KO approaches. We found that B7 expression on TEC, DC and B cell have essential but redundant roles in supporting thymic iNKT cell development. These results suggest that during thymic iNKT cell development, signal 1 (glycolipid/CD1d-TCR) and signal 2 (B7-CD28) are provided by spatially and temporally distinct cell types and may provide new insight into how co-stimulation can function in immune system development.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
