Selectively impaired development of intestinal T cell receptor gamma delta(+) cells and liver CD4(+) NK1(+) T cell receptor alpha beta(+) cells in T cell factor-1-deficient mice

T cell factor-1 (Tcf-l) is a transcription factor that binds to a sequence motif present in several T cell-specific enhancer elements. In Tcf-1-deficient (Tcf-l(-)) mice. thymocyte development is partially blocked at the transition from the CD4(-)8(-) immature single-positive stage to the CD4(+)8(+) double-positive stage. resulting in a marked decrease of mature peripheral T cells in lymph node and spleen. We report here that the development of most intestinal TCR gamma delta(.) cells and liver CD4(+)Nk1.l(+)TCR alpha beta (NKl(1)T) cells, which are believed to be of extrathymic origin. is selectively impaired in Tcf-l mice. In contrast, thymic and thymus-derived (splenic) TCR gamma delta(+) cells are present in normal numbers in Tcf-l mice. as are other T cell subsets in intestine and liver. Collectively. our data suggest that Tcf-l is differentially required for the development of some extrathymic T cell subsets. including intestinal TCR gamma delta(+) cells and liver CD4(+) NKl(+)T cells.