Diversity, functionality, and stability of the T cell repertoire derived in vivo from a single human T cell precursor

摘要

In this report we have analyzed the human T cell repertoire derived in vivo from a single T cell precursor. A unique case of X-linked severe combined immunodeficienry in which a reverse mutation occurred in an early T cell precursor was analyzed to this end. It was determined that at least 1.000 T cell clones with unique T cell recept-sequences were generated from this precursor. This diversity seems to be stable over time and provides protection from infections in vivo. A similar estimation was obtained in an in vitro murine model of T cell generation from a single cell precursor. Overall, our results document the large diversity potential of T cell precursors and provide a rationale for gene therapy of the block of T cell development.