I have a question about TCR rearrangement.
We know TCR VJD rearrangement happens in the thymus development and it’s a “somatic recombination”, dose this means TCR rearrangement only happens during the development stage of embryo development? If so, is it true that the new rearrangement will never happen again after born and the clonotype number of TCR will never increase during a human life? (decrease only?)
Thanks!
TCR VDJ recombination happens as T cells mature in the thymus, as long as the bone marrow is functionally making T cell precursors and the thymus is functioning. This, this process continues into adulthood in humans. -Benjamin
To add a little more flavor to Benjamin's answer above, while VDJ recombination continues throughout life, there is a tendency for the rate of naïve T cell generation to decline over time - see e.g. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thymic_involution
Thank you Ben and Ryan.
In your words, because there could be new VDJ recombination happens so the clonotype numbers of T cells could increase in adulthood? Is there any studies show that in what situations makes the increasing of clonotype? eg, more exercise? healthy lifestyle? or any medications?
Thanks!
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