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A survival guide to early T cell development

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Abstract

The survival of immature T cell precursors is dependent on both thymus-derived extrinsic signals and self-autonomous pre-TCR-mediated signals. While the role of cytokines and the pre-TCR in promoting thymocyte survival has been well established, the relationship between pro- and anti-apoptotic signaling cascades remains poorly defined. Recent studies have established a link between cell survival and growth factor-mediated maintenance of cellular metabolism. In this regard, the Notch signaling pathway has emerged as more than an inducer of T lineage commitment and differentiation, but also as a potent trophic factor, promoting the survival and metabolic state of pre-T cells. In this review, we describe current concepts of the intracellular signaling pathways downstream of cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors that dictate survival versus death outcomes during early T cell development.

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  1. Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, and Sunnybrook and Women's Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Ave., m4N 3M5, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Maria Ciofani & Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker

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  1. Maria Ciofani
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  2. Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker
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Correspondence to Juan Carlos Zúñiga-Pflücker.

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Ciofani, M., Zúñiga-Pflücker, J.C. A survival guide to early T cell development. Immunol Res 34, 117–132 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1385/IR:34:2:117

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