Functional Assessment of α_Eβ₇/E-cadherin Interactions in the Steady State Postnatal Thymus

Abstract

T cell differentiation in the thymus depends on sequential interactions between lymphoid progenitors and stromal cells in discrete regions of the cortex. Here, we show that despite α_Eβ₇ expression by a subset of the earliest intrathymic precursors (and E-cadherin expression by thymic stroma), interaction of these elements is not required for proper localization of early progenitors into the cortex, or for successful steady state differentiation. These findings indicate that despite in vitro data demonstrating α_Eβ₇ mediated adhesion and proliferation of intrathymic T cell precursor populations, T lymphocyte development can proceed independently of α_Eβ₇/E-cadherin interactions.