A Thymic Precursor to the NK T Cell Lineage

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1069017
• Publication Date: 2002-10-01T19:34:46Z
• Authors: Kamel Benlagha; Tim Kyin; Andrew Beavis; Luc Teyton; Albert Bendelac
• Keywords: Lineage (genetic); Cell lineage; Precursor cell

CD1d-restricted autoreactive natural killer (NK1.1+) T cells function as regulatory in various disease conditions. Using improved tetramer tracking methodology, we identified a NK1.1- thymic precursor and followed its differentiation emigration to tissues by direct cell transfer situ labeling studies. A major lineage expansion occurred within the thymus after positive selection before NK receptor expression. Surprisingly, cytokine analysis of developmental intermediates between NK+ stages showed helper TH2 TH1 conversion, suggesting that functions may be developmentally controlled. These findings characterize novel postthymic pathways expand differentiate them into cells.