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Circulating CD20dim T-lymphocytes increase with age: evidence for a memory cytotoxic phenotype
I Storie1, G A Wilson, V Granger
1Department of Haematology, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
Clinical and Laboratory Haematology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Researchers confirmed a rare CD20dim T lymphocyte population with lower antibody binding. CD20dim T cell counts increase with age, peaking in octogenarians, and exhibit a memory cytotoxic phenotype.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- CD20 antigen is a B lineage specific phosphoprotein.
- Recent reports suggest weak CD20 expression on T lymphocytes (CD20dim).
Purpose of the Study:
- Confirm the existence of CD20dim T lymphocytes.
- Characterize the phenotype and antibody-binding capacity of CD20dim T cells.
- Investigate age-related variations in CD20dim T cell populations.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to detect and quantify CD20dim T cells.
- Antibody-binding capacity was compared between CD20dim T cells and CD20bright B cells.
- Three-color flow cytometry characterized the phenotype of CD20dim T cells.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the presence of a CD20dim T lymphocyte population.
- CD20dim T cells exhibited significantly reduced antibody-binding capacity compared to CD20bright B cells.
- CD20dim T cell counts increased with age, notably in individuals over 61 years old.
- CD20dim T cells were identified as CD8+CD28+CD45RO+T-CR alpha beta +CD38-HLA-DR-, indicating a memory cytotoxic phenotype.
Conclusions:
- A distinct CD20dim T cell population exists.
- This population displays age-dependent prevalence and a memory cytotoxic phenotype.
- Further research is warranted to understand the function and implications of CD20dim T cells.