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Studies on sperm antigenicity. IV. Lymphocyte cytotoxicity in cell-mediated response to homologous spermatozoa
1Department of Embryology and Teratology, Tel Aviv University Medical School, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
Abstract:
In the presence of specific antigen, lymph node cells from Rockefeller strain guinea pigs with delayed hypersensitivity to homologous spermatozoal antigen produced progressive destruction of L929 cell monolayers. This effect was measured by counting surviving target cells removed from Leighton tubes by trypsin treatment as well as by standard cell counts in microplates. The cytotoxic effect was immunologically specific since neither sperm-sensitized lymphocytes in presence of unspecific antigen nor normal lymph node cells with guinea pig sperm, induced target cell destruction. The effect required an antigen concentration equal to, or greater than, 70 micrograms protein/ml. A ratio of 100:1 of sensitized lymphoid cells to target cell was found to be optimal. L-cell lysis could be demonstrated at day 14 and reached its peak on day 21 after immunization. A high level of correlation between lymphocyte cytotoxicity and macrophage migration inhibition was found. The role of lymphocyte cytotoxicity in cell-mediated immunity to spermatozoa is discussed as one of the possible mechanisms leading to destructive changes in the testes.
Insights
Lymph node cells from sensitized guinea pigs destroy target cells in a specific immune response. This lymphocyte cytotoxicity correlates with macrophage migration inhibition, suggesting a role in cell-mediated immunity to sperm.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell-mediated immunity plays a crucial role in immune responses.
- Delayed hypersensitivity reactions involve specific immune cells and antigens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lymphocyte cytotoxicity against target cells in guinea pigs sensitized to spermatozoal antigen.
- To explore the specificity and kinetics of this cytotoxic effect.
- To correlate lymphocyte cytotoxicity with macrophage migration inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Lymph node cells from sensitized guinea pigs were co-cultured with L929 target cells.
- Cell destruction was quantified by counting surviving target cells.
- Immunological specificity was tested using specific and unspecific antigens.
- Macrophage migration inhibition assays were performed.
Main Results:
- Sensitized lymph node cells induced progressive destruction of L929 cell monolayers in the presence of specific spermatozoal antigen.
- The cytotoxic effect was antigen-specific and required a minimum antigen concentration (70 µg protein/ml).
- Optimal lymphocyte to target cell ratio was 100:1, with lysis observed from day 14 and peaking at day 21 post-immunization.
- A high correlation was found between lymphocyte cytotoxicity and macrophage migration inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Lymphocyte cytotoxicity is a key component of cell-mediated immunity to spermatozoa.
- This mechanism may contribute to testicular damage in immune responses against sperm antigens.
