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T cell function in tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus).

D Kim Burnham1, Susan N Keall, Nicola J Nelson

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA. burnham@okstate.edu

Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|April 29, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Tuatara possess functional T cells, indicating a robust immune response. This finding is crucial for understanding reptile evolution and the unique physiology of these ancient reptiles.

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Area of Science:

  • Herpetology
  • Immunology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Tuatara are the sole surviving lineage of the Sphenodontia, an ancient reptile order.
  • Understanding tuatara physiology is key to reptile phylogeny.
  • Previous research has not fully characterized tuatara T cell-mediated immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate T cell function in tuatara.
  • To assess the proliferative capacity of tuatara lymphocytes in response to mitogens and allogeneic cells.

Main Methods:

  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from six captive tuatara.
  • T cell proliferation was measured using MTT reduction assays following stimulation with concanavalin A (Con A), phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR).

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  • Cytotoxicity of Con A-activated lymphocytes was assessed against a murine mastocytoma cell line (P815).

    • Main Results:

    • Tuatara PBMCs showed significant proliferation in response to Con A and PHA.
    • A lower proliferative response was observed in the MLR.
    • Con A-activated lymphocytes did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity against P815 cells.

    Conclusions:

    • Tuatara exhibit functional T cell responses, demonstrating their capacity for adaptive immunity.
    • These findings provide novel insights into the immunology of this unique reptilian lineage.
    • Further research can elucidate the specific roles of T cell subsets in tuatara immune defense and evolutionary history.