Abstract
The positive selection of CD4 or CD8 single-positive mature peripheral T lymphocytes and the deletion of self-reactive cells are crucial for central tolerance in the peripheral immune system. Previously, the guanine nucleotide binding protein Rac-1 has been shown to control pre-T cell development. The present report now describes the actions of Rac-1 in thymocyte selection. The study reveals that this molecule has the striking and unique ability to efficiently divert cells from positive selection into a pathway of negative selection and deletion. The ability of Rac-1 to switch thymocytes from a destiny of positive to negative selection identifies this molecule as a critical regulator of the developmental processes in T cells that are essential for immune homeostasis.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 703-713 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Immunity |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 25 Oct 2001 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases