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Phagocytic rabbit cell lines expressing class II MHC products: establishment of cell lines by viral transformation
Abstract:
Continuous rabbit macrophage-like cell lines were established after in vitro infection of spleen cells with either Simian virus 40, lymphotropic papovavirus or herpesvirus sylvilagus. These cell lines are characterized as morphologically similar to mature macrophages, esterase positive, and have unrearranged immunoglobulin genes. They possess macrophage functionality because they are highly phagocytic and are able to mediate an antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity assay on chicken red blood cells. Northern blot analysis of total cellular RNA with a DQ alpha probe indicates that the cell lines constitutively express message for class II gene products. In addition, cell sorter analysis indicates that two of these lines display class II antigen at the cell surface.
Insights
New rabbit macrophage cell lines were created using viruses. These cells show key macrophage traits, including phagocytosis and Class II antigen expression, useful for immunology research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial immune cells involved in phagocytosis and antigen presentation.
- Establishing continuous cell lines that retain macrophage characteristics is vital for research.
- Viral infection is a method explored for cellular transformation and immortalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize continuous rabbit macrophage-like cell lines.
- To assess the functional and phenotypic properties of these novel cell lines.
- To investigate the expression of Class II genes and antigens in the established cell lines.
Main Methods:
- In vitro infection of rabbit spleen cells with Simian virus 40, lymphotropic papovavirus, or herpesvirus sylvilagus.
- Morphological and cytochemical characterization (esterase positivity).
- Assessment of macrophage functions (phagocytosis, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity).
- Molecular analysis (Northern blot for DQ alpha probe) and cell surface phenotyping (cell sorter analysis for Class II antigen).
Main Results:
- Successfully established continuous rabbit macrophage-like cell lines.
- Cells exhibited macrophage morphology, esterase positivity, and unrearranged immunoglobulin genes.
- Demonstrated significant phagocytic activity and ability to mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
- Northern blot confirmed constitutive expression of Class II gene products; cell sorter analysis showed Class II antigen on two lines.
Conclusions:
- The established cell lines serve as a valuable model for studying macrophage biology and function.
- These cell lines provide a consistent tool for investigating macrophage-specific responses and interactions.
- The presence of Class II antigens suggests their utility in studies of antigen presentation and immune regulation.