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Modulation of T cell-endothelial adhesion by astrocyte conditioned medium
J Joseph1, F D Lublin, R L Knobler
1Department of Neurology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. josephj@allegheny.edu
Glia
|January 7, 1998
Summary
Astrocyte factors enhance T cell adhesion to the blood-brain barrier endothelium. This finding is crucial for understanding inflammatory cell entry into the central nervous system in diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Astrocytes are key to maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
- Astrocyte-derived factors influence endothelial cell properties and inflammatory cell entry into the brain.
- Understanding lymphocyte migration through the BBB is vital for central nervous system (CNS) diseases like multiple sclerosis and HIV-induced dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of astrocyte-derived factors in regulating inflammatory cell interactions with the BBB endothelium.
- To determine how astrocyte conditioned medium affects T cell adhesion to endothelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Endothelial cells (brain and hepatic) were treated with astrocyte conditioned medium.
- T cell adhesion to treated endothelial cells was quantified.
- Studies utilized fresh activated T cells and T cell hybridomas with specific antigen recognition.
Main Results:
- Astrocyte conditioned medium significantly enhanced T cell adhesion to endothelium in a dose-dependent manner.
- This enhancement was independent of T cell antigen specificity.
- Similar results were observed with various T cell types.
Conclusions:
- Astrocyte-derived factors promote T cell adhesion to the BBB endothelium.
- These factors may play a significant role in inflammatory cell infiltration into the CNS.
- Further research is needed to identify specific astrocyte factors and endothelial adhesion molecules involved.