| Figure 4.
NKG2-expressing NK cells develop exactly in parallel with CD94hi NK cells |
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Fresh E14 thymocytes
contain a small but easily detectable subpopulation |
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of NKG2+ cells of similar size to the CD94hi subpopulation |
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These increase slightly
in number during the initial culture period in IL4+PMA |
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And continue to do so in
IL2 |
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By 6 days after transfer
to IL2 about 25% of cells are NKG2+ |
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By 16 days the proportion
of NKG2hi cells has
reached maximal levels |
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The proportion of NKG2hi cells then declined to
<5% by day 40. |
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About 70% of adult
splenic NK cells are NKG2+ |
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| Conclusions |
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| 1. Throughout development, the proportion of
NK cells expressing NKG2 is similar to the proportion that are CD94hi |
| 2. The proportion of cells that express Qa1
receptors, as judged by staining with Qa1 tetramers, is similar to the |
| proportion of cells that are NKG2+ and CD94hi [data not shown] |
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