CD27 expression discriminates porcine T helper cells with functionally distinct properties
Katharina Reutner1, Judith Leitner, Andrea Müllebner
1Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna 1210, Austria. wilhelm.gerner@vetmeduni.ac.at.
Veterinary Research
|March 19, 2013
Summary
Researchers identified distinct porcine T helper cell subsets based on CD27 expression. CD8α+CD27- cells show characteristics of terminally differentiated effector memory cells, while CD8α+CD27+ cells resemble central memory cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Porcine T helper cell differentiation is understudied due to a lack of specific antibodies.
- A monoclonal antibody (mAb) for porcine CD27 has been identified, revealing its expression patterns on T helper cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform detailed phenotypical and functional analyses of porcine T helper cell subpopulations defined by CD27 and CD8α expression.
- To characterize the distribution, cytokine production, and homing receptor expression of these subsets.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry and intracellular cytokine staining for phenotypical analysis.
- In vitro polyclonal and antigen-specific stimulation assays.
- Analysis of homing receptor (CCR7, CD62L) expression.
Main Results:
- CD8α-CD27+ T helper cells are mainly in lymph nodes.
- CD8α+CD27+ and CD8α+CD27- T helper cells are found in blood, spleen, and liver.
- CD8α+CD27- cells exhibit high IFN-γ and TNF-α production and low proliferation, resembling human effector memory cells.
- CD8α+CD27+ cells show intermediate cytokine production and proliferation, similar to human central memory cells.
Conclusions:
- Porcine CD8α+CD27- T helper cells represent terminally differentiated effector memory cells.
- Porcine CD8α+CD27+ T helper cells function as central memory cells.
- These findings advance the understanding of T helper cell differentiation in pigs.
