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Peripheral blood lymphocytes express the platelet-type thrombin receptor
G L Howells1, M Macey, M A Curtis
1Department of Oral Pathology, London Hospital Medical College.
British Journal of Haematology
|May 1, 1993
Summary
The platelet thrombin receptor is expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and some T cells, but not B cells, neutrophils, or monocytes. This suggests thrombin may directly influence NK and T cell functions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Northern blot analysis suggested potential expression of the platelet thrombin receptor on human lymphocytes.
- The role of thrombin in regulating immune cell function is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of the thrombin receptor on human peripheral blood cells.
- To determine if thrombin directly impacts lymphocyte function.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of affinity-purified rabbit antibodies against the thrombin receptor.
- Flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, including NK cells (CD16/CD56+), T cells (CD3/CD4+), B cells, neutrophils, and monocytes.
Main Results:
- The thrombin receptor was detected on the majority of NK cells and a fraction of T cells.
- B cells, neutrophils, and monocytes did not express the thrombin receptor.
- Antibodies against the thrombin receptor blocked thrombin activation in platelets.
Conclusions:
- The thrombin receptor is specifically expressed on NK and T lymphocytes.
- Thrombin may directly regulate the function of NK and T cells.
- These findings open new avenues for understanding thrombin's role in immune responses.