Requirement for CD8-major histocompatibility complex class I interaction in positive and negative selection of developing T cells

The interaction of the T cell surface glycoprotein CD8 with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on target cells is required for effective T cell activation. Mutations in the alpha 3 domain of the MHC class I molecule can disrupt binding to CD8, yet leave antigen presentation unaffected. Here we show that such a mutation can interfere with positive and negative selection of T cells bearing T cell receptors (TCRs) that interact specifically with the mutant class I molecule. Autoreactive T cells in male mice expressing a transgenic TCR specific for the male antigen H-Y and H-2Db were not deleted in the context of a transgenic Db molecule bearing a mutation at residue 227. Similarly, CD8+ cells were not positively selected in female mice expressing both the TCR and mutant class I transgenes. Endogenous MHC class I molecules were competent to bind CD8, but were unable to rescue the defect, indicating a requirement for coordinate recognition of antigen/MHC by a complex of the TCR and CD8 coreceptor for both positive and negative selection of thymocytes.