mTORC2 in Thymic Epithelial Cells Controls Thymopoiesis and T Cell Development.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play important roles in T cell generation. Mechanisms that control TEC development and function are still not well defined. The mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin complex (mTORC)2 signals to regulate cell survival, nutrient uptake, and metabolism. We report in the present study that mice with TEC-specific ablation of Rictor, a critical and unique adaptor molecule in mTORC2, display thymic atrophy, which accompanies decreased TEC numbers in the medulla. Moreover, generation of multiple T cell lineages, including conventional TCRαβ T cells, regulatory T cells, invariant NKT cells, and TCRγδ T cells, was reduced in TEC-specific Rictor-deficient mice. Our data demonstrate that mTORC2 in TECs is important for normal thymopoiesis and efficient T cell generation.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Wang, H-X; Cheng, JS; Chu, S; Qiu, Y-R; Zhong, X-P

Published Date

  • July 1, 2016

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 197 / 1

Start / End Page

  • 141 - 150

PubMed ID

  • 27233961

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC4912958

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1550-6606

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.4049/jimmunol.1502698

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States