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Lymphocyte subsets in porcine tonsillar crypt epithelium
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Sask.S7N 5B4 Canada. monica.salles@usask.ca
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|November 9, 2000
Summary
Pig palatine tonsils host diverse T and B cells in their crypt epithelium. Gamma-delta T cells and CD4 T cells are abundant, suggesting a key role in mucosal immunity against pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Mucosal Immunology
- Swine Pathogenesis
Background:
- Palatine tonsils are crucial mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in pigs.
- They are strategically located at the oropharynx, serving as entry points for pathogens.
- Understanding tonsillar crypt epithelium lymphocyte subpopulations is vital for disease pathogenesis research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize lymphocyte subsets within the tonsillar crypt epithelium of healthy adult pigs.
- To investigate the cellular composition of this immune site in relation to host defense.
Main Methods:
- Utilized monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD4, CD8, gammadelta T cell receptor, and immunoglobulin light chain.
- Employed an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase technique for lymphocyte subset identification.
- Analyzed tonsillar crypt epithelium from 10 healthy adult pigs.
Main Results:
- The tonsillar crypt epithelium showed extensive infiltration by diverse T and B cells.
- Lymphocyte subset infiltration varied among and within individual animals.
- CD4 T cells and gammadelta T cell receptor cells predominated over CD8 cells in the T cell population.
Conclusions:
- The tonsillar crypt lymphoepithelium participates in both cellular and humoral immune responses.
- Gammadelta T cells likely play a significant role in the defense of the pig palatine tonsil mucosa.
- Characterization provides insight into initial immune responses at this critical mucosal site.