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Cytolytic function for pseudorabies virus-stimulated porcine CD4+ CD8dull+ lymphocytes
T G De Bruin1, E M Van Rooij, Y E De Visser
1Department of Mammalian Virology, Institute for Animal Science and Health, Lelystad, The Netherlands. m.g.m.debruin@ID.WAG-UR.NL
Viral Immunology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Pseudorabies virus (PRV)-specific killing is mediated by unique CD4+ CD8dull+ T lymphocytes in pigs. These cells exhibit major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II-restricted killing of PRV-infected cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Previous studies identified CD6+ CD8+ lymphocytes mediating pseudorabies virus (PRV)-specific killing in vitro.
- A significant proportion of CD4+ lymphocytes were observed within these CD6+ CD8+ lymphocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To further characterize the cytotoxic capabilities of PRV-stimulated CD4+ CD8+ lymphocytes.
- To elucidate the specific roles of different lymphocyte subsets in PRV immunity.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from PRV-immune pigs were isolated and stimulated with PRV in vitro.
- Flow cytometry was used to determine lymphocyte frequencies, specifically CD4+ CD8+ populations.
- Lymphocytes were separated using magnetic-activated cell sorting or FACSVantage SE for functional assays.
Main Results:
- PRV stimulation induced a population of 26% +/- 4% CD4+ CD8dull+ lymphocytes.
- Killing activity was attributed to both CD4+ CD8dull+ T lymphocytes and CD4- CD8+ T lymphocytes (cytolytic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells).
- CD4+ CD8dull+ T lymphocytes demonstrated MHC class II-restricted PRV-specific killing, while CD4- CD8+ T cells showed both PRV-specific and natural killing.
Conclusions:
- PRV-specific CD4+ CD8dull+ lymphocytes are capable of killing PRV-infected target cells in an MHC class II-restricted manner.
- These CD4+ CD8dull+ lymphocytes, unique to pigs, display heterogeneous functions.
- The study clarifies the cellular mechanisms underlying PRV immunity in swine.