The GTPase Rac-1 controls cell fate in the thymus by diverting thymocytes from positive to negative selection

Manuel Gomez, Dimitris Kioussis, Doreen A. Cantrell (Lead / Corresponding author)

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    47 Citations (Scopus)

    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 languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)703-713
    Number of pages11
    JournalImmunity
    Volume15
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 25 Oct 2001

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Immunology and Allergy
    • Immunology
    • Infectious Diseases

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