CD4

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a widely used polar organic solvent in biological research.
• It serves as a cryoprotectant and is utilized to dissolve compounds for in vitro assays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of commonly used in vitro concentrations of DMSO on human CD4+ T cell function.
• To assess the impact of DMSO on T cell activation, cytokine production, proliferation, and metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Human CD4+ T cells were stimulated in the presence of varying DMSO concentrations (0.01% to 1%).
• Assessed surface expression of activation markers (CD69, CD25, CD154).
• Quantified intracellular cytokine production (IL-21, IL-4, IL-22, IFNγ), proliferation, glucose uptake, and respiration.

Main Results:

• DMSO inhibited CD69, CD25, and CD154 expression at ≥0.25%.
• IL-21, IL-4, and IL-22 production were variably inhibited by DMSO (0.25%-1%), while IFNγ+ cells were unaffected.
• Proliferation was inhibited by 0.5% DMSO and abolished by 1% DMSO.
• 1% DMSO inhibited glucose uptake but had minor effects on respiration.
• Gene expression of early signaling pathways was inhibited by 1% DMSO.

Conclusions:

• DMSO, at concentrations frequently employed in T cell studies, significantly impairs multiple aspects of CD4+ T cell function.
• Researchers should exercise caution when introducing DMSO-containing solutions into T cell cultures to avoid confounding results.