S-100 protein positive human T-lymphocyte

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• T-lymphocytes play crucial roles in immune responses.
• Subsets of T-lymphocytes, like suppressor/cytotoxic T-cells, are defined by surface antigens.
• The S-100 protein's presence and role in T-cells were not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and characteristics of S-100 protein in human peripheral T-lymphocytes.
• To determine the T-cell subset associated with S-100 protein expression.
• To explore the potential utility of S-100 protein as a marker in T-cell research.

Main Methods:

• Direct immunoperoxidase staining for S-100 protein detection in T-lymphocytes.
• Monoclonal antibody-based complement-mediated lysis to analyze surface antigens.
• Immunoelectron microscopy to examine cellular morphology.

Main Results:

• S-100 protein was detected in a small population of human peripheral T-lymphocytes.
• These S-100 positive T-lymphocytes expressed OKT3, OKT8, and OKT11 antigens.
• They lacked OKT4, OKM1, HLA-DR, and HNK1 (Leu-7) antigens, and exhibited poorly developed organelles.
• Findings indicated S-100+ T-lymphocytes belong to the OKT8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic) T-cell subset.

Conclusions:

• S-100 protein is expressed in a subset of human suppressor/cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.
• S-100 protein may serve as a valuable cytoplasmic marker for subdividing the heterogeneous OKT8+ T-cell population.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the specific function of S-100+ T-lymphocytes.