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CD4+Thy1- thymocytes with a Th-type 2 cytokine response

D M Cerasoli1, G Kelsoe, M Sarzotti

  • 1Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3010, Durham, NC 27710, USA.

International Immunology
|January 3, 2001
PubMed

Insights

A novel subset of T helper cells (CD4(+)Thy1(-)) was discovered in mouse thymus, producing IL-4 and potentially influencing T(h)2 responses during viral infections.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • The thymus is crucial for T cell development.
  • T helper (Th) cell subsets are defined by cytokine production and function.
  • Murine retrovirus infections can induce specific T cell responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel subset of thymocytes.
  • To investigate the role of this subset in immune responses to viral infection.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry was used to identify thymocyte subsets based on cell surface markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, Thy1).
  • In vitro cytokine production (IL-4, IFN-gamma) was assessed upon stimulation.
  • Mice were infected neonatally with Cas-Br-E MuLV retrovirus.

Main Results:

  • A CD4(+)CD8(-) thymocyte subset lacking Thy1 (CD90) was identified, representing 1-3.7% of thymocytes in naive mice.
  • These CD4(+)Thy1(-) cells exhibit a T(h)2-like cytokine profile, producing IL-4 but not IFN-gamma.
  • Neonatal high-dose retrovirus infection increased the frequency of CD4(+)Thy1(-) cells and altered their surface marker expression (decreased HSA, increased CD44).

Conclusions:

  • CD4(+)Thy1(-) thymocytes represent a distinct T(h)2-like cell population.
  • Their frequency and phenotype are modulated by high-dose retroviral infection.
  • This subset may contribute to the T(h)2 cytokine bias observed in anti-viral responses following neonatal murine retrovirus infection.

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