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T cell repopulation from functionally restricted splenic progenitors: 10,000-fold expansion documented by using
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|December 1, 1984
Summary
New T cells regenerate immune function in mice, but precursor cell levels remain low. This suggests a balance between effector and regulatory cells maintains normal immune activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- T cells are crucial for adaptive immunity.
- The thymus is essential for T cell development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ability of post-thymic T cells to restore immune function.
- To identify progenitor cells responsible for T cell regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Mice were depleted of T cells and reconstituted with splenic T cells.
- Limiting dilution assays were used to quantify antigen- and mitogen-responsive cells.
- Surface phenotyping identified progenitor cell populations.
Main Results:
- Repopulated mice showed 10-20% of normal precursor cell levels but near-normal activity in cultures.
- Lyt-2- cells were required for helper cell regeneration.
- Lyt-2+ cells were progenitors for cytotoxic cells only.
- Progenitors expanded up to 10,000-fold.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral T cell expansion can significantly contribute to lymphocyte populations in adult mice.
- Normal function in assays may result from a balance of deficient effector and regulatory cells.
- Specific T cell subsets act as progenitors for distinct lineages.