The expression and potential function of cellular prion protein in human lymphocytes

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The normal cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) is expressed in various cell types.
• Its role in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and immune cell function is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression and function of PrP(C) in human PBMC.
• To compare PrP(C) characteristics in PBMC with those in neuroblastoma cells and brain tissue.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a panel of six monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) to detect PrP(C) expression.
• Performed immunoblotting to analyze PrP(C) glycoforms and N-linked glycans.
• Assessed PrP(C) levels on T lymphocytes and its effect on T cell proliferation.

Main Results:

• PrP(C) is expressed in human T cells, B cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells, but not red blood cells.
• PrP(C) glycoforms and N-linked glycans in PBMC differ from brain and neuroblastoma cells.
• PrP(C) expression is upregulated on activated T lymphocytes, with memory T cells expressing higher levels than naïve T cells.
• Anti-PrP(C) Mabs inhibited anti-CD3 stimulated T lymphocyte proliferation.

Conclusions:

• PrP(C) exhibits distinct characteristics in human immune cells compared to neuronal cells.
• PrP(C) expression is modulated by T cell activation and differentiation.
• These findings suggest a role for PrP(C) in T lymphocyte signal transduction and immune cell function.