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Activated T cells acquire endothelial cell surface determinants during transendothelial migration
R I Brezinschek1, N Oppenheimer-Marks, P E Lipsky
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|February 11, 1999
Summary
Activated T cells (T lymphocytes) absorb endothelial cell (EC) membrane parts during migration. This transfer of EC surface molecules, like CD31 and CD54, occurs during transendothelial migration, potentially impacting perivascular sites.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- T cells play a crucial role in immune responses and must traverse endothelial barriers to reach target tissues.
- Endothelial cells (ECs) form the inner lining of blood vessels and regulate immune cell trafficking.
- Understanding the dynamic interactions between T cells and ECs during migration is key to deciphering immune cell homing and inflammatory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether activated T cells acquire endothelial cell plasma membrane components during transendothelial migration.
- To identify specific endothelial surface molecules transferred to T cells.
- To elucidate the mechanism and extent of this membrane transfer process.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an in vitro model of human peripheral blood CD4+ T cells migrating through human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers.
- Employed flow cytometry to analyze surface marker expression on migrated T cells.
- Used monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to detect specific endothelial determinants on T cells.
- Incorporated pre-labeled EC membranes with a lipophilic dye (DiOC-16) to track membrane transfer.
Main Results:
- Activated CD4+ T cells, but not resting T cells, acquired various endothelial surface determinants, including CD31, CD49d, CD54, CD61, and CD62E.
- The acquired molecules were detected on the extracellular domains of migrated T cells.
- Evidence confirmed that activated T cells uniquely acquired these molecules through transfer from both resting and TNF-alpha-activated ECs.
- Migrating T cells acquired entire EC membrane components, including surface proteins and lipid dye-labeled membranes.
Conclusions:
- Activated T cells actively acquire endothelial cell plasma membrane constituents during transendothelial migration.
- This acquisition involves the transfer of specific endothelial surface molecules and membrane fragments.
- The acquired endothelial components may be delivered by T cells to perivascular sites, potentially influencing local tissue environments and immune responses.