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Isolation of Lamina Propria Mononuclear Cells from Murine Colon Using Collagenase E
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Isolation of Lamina Propria Mononuclear Cells from Murine Colon Using Collagenase E

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Human colonic intra-epithelial lymphocytes are suppressor cells

P Hoang1, H R Dalton, D P Jewell

  • 1Gastroenterology Unit, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, England, UK.

Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|September 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Human colonic intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IEL) suppress specific immune cells but not others. This function, mediated by a soluble factor, is intact in inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting a role in mucosal tolerance.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Human colonic intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IEL) play a role in mucosal immunity.
  • Understanding IEL function is crucial for mucosal tolerance and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the suppressor function of human colonic IEL on autologous immune cells.
  • To determine the mechanisms underlying IEL-mediated suppression and its relevance in IBD.

Main Methods:

  • Human colonic IEL and autologous lamina propria lymphocytes (LPL) or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated.
  • Proliferation assays were performed using phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation.
  • Flow cytometry and functional assays were used to characterize the suppressor mechanism.

Main Results:

  • Colonic IEL suppressed autologous LPL proliferation but not autologous PBMC proliferation when stimulated with PHA.
  • This suppressor function was mediated by a CD8-dependent soluble factor.
  • Gamma delta T cell receptor expression was not related to the suppressor function.
  • No defect in suppressor activity of colonic IEL was observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Conclusions:

  • Human colonic IEL possess a specific suppressor function against autologous LPL, mediated by a CD8-dependent soluble factor.
  • This suppressor activity is independent of gamma delta T cell receptor expression.
  • The intact suppressor function of colonic IEL in IBD suggests it may not be directly involved in IBD pathogenesis but could be relevant for mucosal tolerance induction.

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