Determining γδ versus αβ T cell development

The thymus produces several types of functionally distinct T cell subsets. However, at a more fundamental level only two genetically distinct T cell lineages exist: the gamma delta and alpha beta T cell lineages. Precisely how these two T cell lineages are generated from common thymocyte progenitor cells remains to be fully elucidated and is under intense investigation. Here, we highlight recent findings that have helped to provide important clues to the mechanisms that underpin the generation of gamma delta T cells in the mouse thymus.