T-cell potential and development in vitro: the OP9-DL1 approach

In vivo, T cells develop in the thymus from bone marrow-derived hematopoietic progenitors. Similarly, T cells can develop in vitro in model systems that mimic thymic function. The recent development of the OP9-DL1 cell culture system, a two-dimensional T-inductive environment, has provided greater access to the processes of commitment and development in T lymphocytes.