A unique thymic fibroblast population revealed by the monoclonal antibody MTS-15

Abstract

T cell differentiation in the thymus is dependent upon signals from thymic stromal cells. Most studies into the nature of these signals have focused only on the support provided by the thymic epithelium, but there is an emerging view that other stromal cells such as mesenchymal fibroblasts may also be involved. Study of the latter has been hindered by a lack of appropriate markers, particularly those allowing their isolation. In this study, we describe a new surface marker of thymic stroma, MTS-15, and demonstrate its specificity for fibroblasts and a subset of endothelial cells. Coculture experiments showed that the determinant could be transferred between cells. Extensive biochemical analy..