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Published on: December 29, 2012
B-cell antigens within normal and activated human T cells
G P Sandilands1, M Perry, M Wootton
1University Department of Pathology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
Immunology
|May 8, 1999
Summary
Researchers found that B-cell CD antigens are expressed within T cells, not just on the surface. Following activation, these antigens increase in T cell cytoplasm, suggesting a role in soluble immunoregulatory molecule release.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell surface staining is a common method for identifying lymphocyte populations.
- Certain CD antigens are typically restricted to specific immune cell types, like B cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of B-cell CD antigens within T cells.
- To determine the intracellular localization and regulation of these antigens in T cells.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry for cell surface and intracellular staining of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL).
- Cytoperm method for permeabilization to access intracellular antigens.
- Immunoelectron microscopy to visualize antigen localization.
Main Results:
- Six B-cell CD antigens (CD20, CD21, CD22, CD32, CD35, MHC class II) were detected within T cells.
- These 'occult' antigens were localized to cytoplasmic vesicles and rough endoplasmic reticulum.
- In vitro T cell activation led to increased cytoplasmic antigen expression with weak surface staining.
Conclusions:
- B-cell CD antigens are up-regulated within the cytoplasm of activated T cells.
- These intracellular antigens may be synthesized and released as soluble immunoregulatory molecules.
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