内容简介：

Adaptive cellular immunity requires accurate self- vs. nonself-discrimination to protect against infections and tumorous transformations while at the same time excluding autoimmunity. This vital capability is programmed in the thymus through selection of αβT-cell receptors (αβTCRs) recognizing peptides bound to MHC molecules (pMHC). Here, we show that the pre-TCR (preTCR), a pTα-β heterodimer appearing before αβTCR expression, directs a previously unappreciated initial phase of repertoire selection. Contrasting with the ligand-independent model of preTCR function, we reveal through NMR and bioforce-probe analyses that the β-subunit binds pMHC using Vβ complementarity-determining regions as well as an exposed hydrophobic Vβ patch characteristic of the preTCR. Force-regulated single bonds akin to those of αβTCRs but with more promiscuous ligand specificity trigger calcium flux. Thus, thymic development involves sequential β- and then, αβ-repertoire tuning, whereby preTCR interactions with self pMHC modulate early thymocyte expansion, with implications for β-selection, immunodominant peptide recognition, and germ line-encoded MHC interaction.

报告人简介：

2001-2007   B.S. & M.S    Pharmaceutics Science; Peking University
2008-2012   Ph.D.             Biomedical Engineering; Queen Mary, University of London, UK
2012-2015   Postdoc         Biomedical Engineering; Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
2015-current Postdoc        Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Health， USA

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