RAG2:GFP knockin mice reveal novel aspects of RAG2 expression in primary and peripheral lymphoid tissues

Immunity. 1999 Aug;11(2):201-12. doi: 10.1016/s1074-7613(00)80095-3.

Abstract

We generated mice in which a functional RAG2:GFP fusion gene is knocked in to the endogenous RAG2 locus. In bone marrow and thymus, RAG2:GFP expression occurs in appropriate stages of developing B and T cells as well as in immature bone marrow IgM+ B cells. RAG2:GFP also is expressed in IgD+ B cells following cross-linking of IgM on immature IgM+ IgD+ B cells generated in vitro. RAG2:GFP expression is undetectable in most immature splenic B cells; however, in young RAG2:GFP mice, there are substantial numbers of splenic RAG2:GFP+ cells that mostly resemble pre-B cells. The latter population decreases in size with age but reappears following immunization of older RAG2:GFP mice. We discuss the implications of these findings for current models of receptor assembly and diversification.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / analysis
  • Immunization
  • Immunoglobulin D / analysis
  • Luminescent Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Lymphocytes / physiology
  • Lymphoid Tissue / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / physiology
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / analysis
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Recombination, Genetic

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Immunoglobulin D
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Rag2 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • V(D)J recombination activating protein 2
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins