In vitro human T cell development directed by notch-ligand interactions

Methods Mol Biol. 2008:430:135-42. doi: 10.1007/978-1-59745-182-6_9.

Abstract

Traditionally, the study of human T cell development has relied on the availability of human and mouse thymic tissue. In this chapter, we outline a simple in vitro protocol for generating large numbers of human T-lineage cells from umbilical cord blood (CB)- derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) using a bone marrow stromal cell line. This protocol is broken into three major steps: (1) the maintenance of a working stock of OP9 bone marrow stromal cells expressing the Notch receptor ligand Delta-like 1 (OP9- DL1), (2) the purification of human HSCs from umbilical CB, and (3) the initiation and maintenance/expansion of OP9-DL1 cocultures over time (see Fig. 1). The use of this system opens avenues for basic research as it equips us with a simple in vitro method for studying human T cell development.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Notch / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology*

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Notch