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Alpha beta T cell receptor expression in rat intestinal epithelium
J L Viney1, T T MacDonald, P J Kilshaw
1Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, U.K.
Immunology Letters
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IEL) in rats primarily express alpha beta T cell receptors (TcR), challenging previous assumptions. This finding in rat gut immunity parallels mouse data, suggesting a conserved T cell population.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IEL) are crucial immune cells in the small intestine.
- The T cell receptor (TcR) type expressed by IEL is key to understanding gut immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the expression of alpha beta T cell receptor (TcR) on IEL in normal rat small intestine.
- To compare findings in rats with existing data in mice.
Main Methods:
- Immunoperoxidase histochemistry on frozen rat gut sections.
- Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry on isolated rat IEL.
- Staining with monoclonal antibody R73 specific for alpha beta TcR.
Main Results:
- A mean of 61% of IEL in frozen sections stained positive for alpha beta TcR.
- Flow cytometry showed 40-62% of isolated IEL expressed alpha beta TcR.
- The IEL population was predominantly CD8+ (90%) and LCA+ (98%), with minimal CD4+ (10%) cells.
Conclusions:
- Rat intestinal IEL predominantly express alpha beta TcR, contrary to the notion of gamma delta T cell dominance.
- These findings in rats align with previous studies in mice, indicating conserved IEL composition.