Monoclonal antibodies to stromal cell types of the mouse thymus.

Seven hybridoma cell lines secreting monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to nonlymphoid cells of the mouse thymus have been prepared. These mAb clearly demonstrate the heterogeneity of the thymic stroma. Based on their anatomical distribution patterns observed with the immunoperoxidase technique on frozen tissue sections, they were subdivided into four groups. The first group of mAb, ER-TR1, 2 and 3, detects antigens encoded for by the I region of the major histocompatibility complex. These antigens are expressed on both stromal and lymphoid cells in lymphoid organs. mAb of the second category, ER-TR4, react with epithelial cells in the thymic cortex. mAb of the third group detect stromal cells of the thymic medulla. One antibody of this group, ER-TR5, exclusively reacts with medullary epithelial cells. ER-TR6, the other antibody of this group, reacts with medullary interdigitating cells and macrophages. The fourth type of antibodies, ER-TR7, detects the reticular fibroblasts of the thymus. The possible role of the thymic cell types detected by the present antibodies in T cell differentiation is discussed.