A population of T lymphocyte precursor cells is disclosed. In bone marrow, the earliest identifiable T lymphocyte precursor is CD34.sup.+, CD7.sup.+ and Leu 8.sup.+++. Methods of isolation and methods of therapeutic use of such cells also are disclosed.
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 669,142, filed Mar. 14, 1991, which is a continuation-in-part of an earlier filed application Ser. No. 517,101, filed May 1, 1990, now abandoned.
This invention provides novel methods and compositions for modulating T cell differentiation and T cell responses. The modulators are identified by screening test compounds for ability to modulate an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase (IP3K). The IP3K modulators can be further examined for their activity in modulating development of progenitor T cells (e.g., CD4.sup.+/CD8.sup.+ double positive T cells) into mature CD4.sup.+ or CD8.sup.+ single positive T cells. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these T cell modulators can be administered to a subject to modulate T cell immune responses, to suppress inflammations, and to treat disease conditions such as autoimmune diseases, graft rejection or allergies.
Disclosed herein are hybridomas, antibodies produced thereby, antigens, and cells identified or isolated therewith. The dendritic like cells preferably have dendritic morphology and B cell phenotype. Methods of utilizing the hybridomas, antibodies, antigens, and cells are also discussed herein.
