OMIP-113: Characterization of Cytokine Producing T Cells in Swine

T cells are essential for preventing diseases and providing long-term protective immunity. The functional capacity of T cells and the quality of their responses to antigens can be measured by the cytokines they produce. We developed a conventional flow cytometry panel utilizing commercially available antibodies to measure antigen-specific T cell mediated immune responses in swine. The panel can simultaneously detect Th1 and Th17 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF, and IL-17A) to characterize multifunctional αβ and γδ T cells. We also included CD40L (CD154) to identify cells that are activated upon antigen recall and that may contribute to B-cell help or activate antigen presenting cells. The assay can be applied to study T cell mediated immune responses to vaccines and diseases and can be used with cryopreserved or freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells.