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Multiple sites of post-activation CD8+ T cell disposal
1Division of Molecular Immunology, National Institute for Medical Research, London, GB.
European Journal of Immunology
|March 1, 1997
Summary
T cell activation triggers apoptosis, with T cells being eliminated in multiple organs like the liver, lung, and kidney. This T cell apoptosis occurs independently of other T or B cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- T cell immunology
Background:
- T cell activation involves differentiation, effector functions, and apoptosis.
- The anatomical sites of T cell apoptosis following activation remain debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical locations where activation-induced T cell apoptosis occurs.
- To understand the role of T cell receptor (TCR) specificity in T cell elimination.
Main Methods:
- Utilized F5 transgenic mice with a TCR specific for an influenza virus peptide.
- Administered the cognate peptide to induce T cell activation and apoptosis.
- Employed in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistology.
- Examined wild-type and Rag-1 deficient F5 mice to assess the involvement of other lymphocytes.
Main Results:
- Intraperitoneal peptide injection led to CD8+ T cell infiltration in the liver, lung, kidney, skin, and small intestine.
- Significant CD8+ T cell apoptosis was observed in the liver, lung, and particularly the kidney.
- T cell apoptosis occurred similarly in both wild-type and Rag-1 deficient F5 mice.
Conclusions:
- Activation-induced T cell apoptosis and elimination occur in multiple organs, including the liver, lung, and kidney.
- The observed T cell deletion mechanism does not appear to involve other T or B cells.