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A mature thymocyte-like phenotypic pattern on human cord circulating T-lymphoid cells
Journal of Clinical Immunology
|November 1, 1984
Summary
Human cord blood contains immature lymphoid cells, distinct from adult blood. These newborn lymphocytes exhibit a surface phenotype resembling mature thymocytes, indicating early developmental stages.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Cord blood is a source of hematopoietic stem cells.
- Understanding the phenotype of cord blood lymphocytes is crucial for neonatal immunology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the phenotype of circulating precursor cells in human cord blood.
- To compare the lymphoid cell profile of newborns with that of adults.
Main Methods:
- Monoclonal antibodies targeting mature and immature lymphoid cells were used.
- Traditional cell markers and double-marker studies were employed.
- Flow cytometry was utilized to analyze cell surface phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Cord blood had fewer mature T cells (OKT3+) and E-rosetting cells compared to adult blood.
- High levels of OKT10+ cells and low numbers of OKT9+, OKT8+ (OKT3-), and OKT4+ (OKT3-) cells were observed.
- Newborn lymphocytes showed immature lymphoid subsets and a phenotype similar to mature thymocytes, lacking Tdt-positive cells.
Conclusions:
- Human cord blood contains phenotypically immature lymphoid cells at various maturation stages.
- The surface phenotype of newborn lymphocytes suggests a resemblance to mature thymocytes.
- These findings contribute to understanding early immune system development in newborns.