CD83 Expression Influences CD4+ T Cell Development in the Thymus

Abstract T lymphocyte selection and lineage commitment in the thymus requires multiple signals. Herein, CD4 + T cell generation required engagement of CD83, a surface molecule expressed by thymic epithelial and dendritic cells. CD83-deficient (CD83 −/− ) mice had a specific block in CD4 + single-positive thymocyte development without increased CD4 + CD8 + double- or CD8 + single-positive thymocytes. This resulted in a selective 75%–90% reduction in peripheral CD4 + T cells, predominantly within the naive subset. Wild-type thymocytes and bone marrow stem cells failed to differentiate into mature CD4 + T cells when transferred into CD83 −/− mice, while CD83 −/− thymocytes and stem cells developed normally in wild-type mice. Thereby, CD83 expression represents an additional regulatory component for CD4 + T cell development in the thymus.