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Isolating Lymphocytes from the Mouse Small Intestinal Immune System
Published on: February 28, 2018
Lactoferrin targets T cells in the small intestine
Sanne Mie Nielsen1, Gert H Hansen, E Michael Danielsen
1Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Building 6.4.9, Blegdamsvej 3, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 8, 2010
Summary
Lactoferrin (Lf) is internalized by pig small intestine T cells in the lamina propria, suggesting a role in mucosal immune defense. This study investigates Lf uptake by these specific immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lactoferrin (Lf) is a multifunctional, iron-binding protein found in mucosal secretions, crucial for innate and adaptive immunity.
- Lf receptors are present on various cells, but its interaction with small intestinal epithelial cells remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the uptake mechanism of lactoferrin (Lf) in cultured pig small intestine mucosal explants.
- To identify the specific cell types within the small intestine that internalize Lf.
Main Methods:
- Utilized immunofluorescence and immunogold microscopy to track Lf uptake in cultured pig small intestine explants.
- Analyzed Lf localization within enterocytes and lamina propria cells.
Main Results:
- Lactoferrin rapidly bound to the brush border and was internalized into endosomal compartments within enterocytes.
- A distinct subpopulation of CD3(+) T lymphocytes in the lamina propria also took up Lf, primarily in the cytosol.
- Lf uptake by T cells suggests a potential direct regulatory role in the small intestine.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferrin is internalized by T lymphocytes in the lamina propria of the small intestine.
- Lf may play a significant role in the immune defense of the small intestinal mucosa by interacting with T cells.
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