Molecular Approach to the Study of Thymic Nurse Cell Function

9602001盖登这项研究的目的是研究胸腺哺育细胞(TNCs)的功能。胸腺哺育细胞是一种特殊的上皮细胞，它含有完全封闭在细胞质内空泡中的胸腺细胞。TNCs与发育中的胸腺细胞相互作用的作用。尚未确定，但被认为参与了免疫反应中特异性的发展。PI的实验室已经能够使TNCs永生化，这些细胞可以在培养中内化胸腺细胞。这些细胞内化双阳性胸腺细胞，其中一部分细胞发生凋亡，而另一部分细胞成熟。后者获救的人口受到MHC限制。拟议的实验将鉴定和分离TNC特异性单抗，并用这些抗体克隆靶蛋白的基因。研究人员将使用这些抗体来观察它们是否会阻止胸腺的选择和分化。这些研究对于了解这些胸腺哺育细胞的功能以及它们在胸腺来源的免疫系统细胞发育中的作用是重要的。***

9602001 Guyden The object of this research is to study the function of the thymic nurse cells (TNCs). Thymic nurse cells are specialized epithelial cells that contain thymocytes completely enclosed in intra-cytoplasmic vacuoles. The function of the interaction between TNCs and developing thymocytes. has not been determined, but is thought to be involved in development of specificity in the immune response. The laboratory of the PI has been able to immortalize TNCs, and these cells can internalize thymocytes in culture. These cells internalize double positive thymocytes, and a subset of these cells undergo apoptosis while another subset matures. The latter rescued population is MHC restricted. The proposed experiments will identify and isolate TNC specific monoclonal antibodies, and use these to clone the genes for target proteins. The investigator will use these antibodies to see if they will block thymic selection and differentiation. These studies are important to understand the function of these thymic nurse cells and their role in the development of the cells of the immune system derived from the thymus. ***