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Two sides of a cellular coin: CD4(+)CD3- cells regulate memory responses and lymph-node organization

Peter J L Lane1, Fabrina M C Gaspal, Mi-Yeon Kim

  • 1Medical Research Council, Centre for Immune Regulation, Birmingham Medical School, Vincent Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. p.j.l.lane@bham.ac.uk

Nature Reviews. Immunology
|July 22, 2005
PubMed

Insights

CD4(+)CD3(-) cells organize lymphoid tissue and support B-cell antibody responses. HIV infection of these cells may explain immune destruction and lymphoid tissue loss in AIDS.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • CD4(+)CD3(-) cells are known to organize lymphoid tissue during development.
  • The role of CD4(+)CD3(-) cells in adaptive immunity is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the newly discovered functions of CD4(+)CD3(-) cells.
  • To explore the potential role of CD4(+)CD3(-) cells in HIV pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were used to identify and characterize CD4(+)CD3(-) cells.
  • Studies on B-cell responses and lymphoid tissue architecture were performed.

Main Results:

  • CD4(+)CD3(-) cells were found to support T-cell help for B cells during germinal center reactions and memory antibody production.
  • CD4(+)CD3(-) cells express CD4 and CXCR4, which are HIV co-receptors.

Conclusions:

  • CD4(+)CD3(-) cells have a dual role in lymphoid tissue organization and B-cell immunity.
  • HIV infection of CD4(+)CD3(-) cells could contribute to immune dysfunction and lymphoid tissue destruction in AIDS.

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