Summarize the first and the second checkpoints during T cell development in the thymus. Solution Lymphocytes develp from pluripotent stem cells in bone marrow. Differentiation of these cells requires rearrangement of gene segments to produce functional receptors for its further maturation. There are two checkpoints to decide the distinct lineage of T cells. FIRST CHECKPOINT: 1. Rearrangement of T-cell receptor , and genes. 2. Rearrangement of and genes produces a heterodimeric receptor. 3. Rearrangement of gene produces pre T-cell receptor These cells can enter two distinct lineage i.e or T-cell lineage If none of above rearrangement is successful, then cell dies through apoptosis. SECOND CHEKPOINT 1. T-cell lineage undergoes rearrangement at chain locus leading to expression of CD4 and CD8 receptors. 2. antigen receptor ,CD4/CD8 coreceptor of these cells bind to thymic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. 3. The type of receptor -MHC interaction produces CD4+CD8-+ lineage or CD4-CD8++ lineage. 4. Both cell lineages have distinct properties and molecular mechanism for receptor specific antigen interaction. If none of above rearrangement is successful, then cell dies through apoptosis..