[Use of anti-H-Y/Db transgenic mice in studies on T-lymphocyte development and mechanisms of leukemogenesis]

Abstract

During the development of T cells in the thymus, the alpha beta T-cell receptor (TCR) mediated interactions of immature CD4+ CD8+ cells with thymic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules in the absence of specific antigens are required for their survival and further maturation (positive selection) whereas interactions with MHC molecules presenting specific antigens result in their death by apoptosis (negative selection). Preliminary results suggest association of antigenic stimulation via TCR with leukemogenesis of TCR transgenic mice. TCR transgenic mice monitored over a period of 2 years revealed spontaneous leukemia development in mice of both sexes by the age of 8-12 months, with the surface expression of transgene and markers of T cell development pathway.