Pre-TCR signaling and inactivation of p53 induces crucial cell survival pathways in pre-T cells

Signaling through the pre-TCR is essential for early T cell development and is severely impaired in mice lacking the CD3 gamma chain of the pre-TCR. We here address the molecular mechanisms underlying this defect. Impaired pre-TCR signaling is shown to be associated with a profound increase in the number of apoptotic CD4(-)CD8(-) (DN) thymocytes. introduction of p53 deficiency into CD3 gamma-deficient mice completely reverses the cell survival defect in CD3 gamma-deficient DN thymocytes and rescues the block in pre-T cell differentiation. In addition, the CD4(+)CD8(+) (DP) compartment is expanded to its normal size. These findings suggest that the pre-TCR regulates progression through the DNA-damage checkpoint of the DN to DP transition by inactivating p53.