Extracellular Signal–Regulated Kinase (Erk) Activation by the Pre-T Cell Receptor in Developing Thymocytes in Vivo

The first checkpoint in T cell development occurs between the CD4(−)CD8(−) and CD4(+)CD8(+) stages and is associated with formation of the pre-T cell receptor (TCR). The signaling mechanisms that drive this progression remain largely unknown. Here, we show that extracellular signal–regulated kinases (ERKs)-1/2 are activated upon engagement of the pre-TCR. Using a novel experimental system, we demonstrate that expression of the pre-TCR by developing thymocytes induces ERK-1/2 activation within the thymus. In addition, the activation of this pre-TCR signaling cascade is mediated through Lck. These findings directly link pre-TCR complex formation with specific downstream signaling components in vivo.