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Decay-accelerating factor functions as a signal transducing molecule for human T cells.
L S Davis1, S S Patel, J P Atkinson
1Harold C. Simmons Arthritis Research Center, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Decay-accelerating factor (DAF) on T cells protects against complement lysis. Studies show DAF signaling also promotes T cell activation and proliferation upon stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Decay-accelerating factor (DAF) is a cell surface protein
- DAF is a phosphatidylinositol-linked molecule found on human T cells
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of DAF in T cell activation and proliferation
- To determine if DAF signaling contributes to T cell activation
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry to assess DAF expression on T cells
- Mitogen stimulation of T cells
- Antibody-mediated cross-linking of DAF
- Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C treatment
Main Results:
- Low DAF levels are expressed on freshly isolated T cells
- DAF expression increases upon T cell activation
- Antibodies to DAF induce T cell proliferation when co-stimulated
- Removal of DAF by phospholipase C inhibits anti-DAF-induced proliferation
Conclusions:
- DAF protects T cells from complement-mediated lysis
- DAF signaling can transmit signals that induce T cell activation and proliferation