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The RT6 rat lymphocyte alloantigen circulates in soluble form
D J Waite1, E S Handler, J P Mordes
1Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01655.
Cellular Immunology
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Soluble RT6, a protein on T cells, circulates in rats. Diabetes-prone rats have lower levels, suggesting a role for soluble RT6 in immune regulation and diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- RT6 is a rat lymphocyte alloantigen crucial for immunoregulatory functions.
- The diabetes-prone BioBreeding (BB) rat lacks RT6+ T cells, leading to autoimmune diabetes.
- RT6 protein is cell-surface anchored via a phosphatidylinositol (PI) linkage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential existence of a soluble form of RT6 in circulation.
- To determine if soluble RT6 possesses immunomodulatory properties.
Main Methods:
- Standard biochemical procedures were employed to detect and quantify soluble RT6.
- Comparative analysis of soluble RT6 levels across different rat strains, including BB rats.
- Administration of anti-RT6.1 antibody to assess its effect on soluble RT6 levels.
Main Results:
- Soluble RT6 is detectable in the circulation of all studied rat strains.
- Diabetes-prone BB rats exhibit significantly lower circulating RT6.1 levels compared to other strains.
- Monoclonal anti-RT6.1 antibody rapidly clears soluble RT6 from the circulation in diabetes-resistant BB rats.
Conclusions:
- A soluble form of RT6 exists in rat circulation.
- Lower soluble RT6 levels in diabetes-prone BB rats may indicate a role in disease pathogenesis.
- Soluble RT6 may possess immunomodulatory properties, influencing T cell function and autoimmune disease development.