Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
In Situ Detection of Autoreactive CD4 T Cells in Brain and Heart Using Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Dextramers
Published on: August 1, 2014
Expression of the CD6 T lymphocyte differentiation antigen in normal human brain
Insights
This study found the CD6 lymphocyte differentiation antigen expressed in normal human brain cells. This suggests shared antigens may play a role in both immune and central nervous system functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Cellular Immunology
Background:
- Shared antigens between the immune and central nervous systems (CNS) are increasingly recognized.
- The CD6 lymphocyte differentiation antigen is a known immune cell marker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of the CD6 antigen in normal human brain tissue.
- To explore the potential role of shared antigens in neuro-immune interactions.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry using a panel of anti-CD6 monoclonal antibodies (mabs) on human brain cryostat sections.
- Northern blot analysis to detect CD6-specific mRNA in various brain regions.
Main Results:
- CD6-positive cells were identified randomly scattered in the parenchyma of all examined brain areas.
- A 3.1 kb CD6-specific mRNA transcript was detected in brain regions, notably the basal ganglia and cerebellum cortex.
- Expression patterns suggest CD6 is present on intrinsic brain cells, not solely infiltrating immune cells.
Conclusions:
- The CD6 antigen is expressed in normal human brain, indicating a potential role for this molecule beyond the immune system.
- The presence of CD6 on brain cells warrants further investigation into its function in the CNS and its implications for neuro-immune communication.
Abstract:
Antigens shared by the immune and central nervous systems (CNS) have been described repeatedly. The present study reports the expression of the CD6 lymphocyte differentiation antigen in normal human brain evidenced by immunohistochemistry and Northern blot analysis. A panel of various anti-CD6 monoclonal antibodies (mabs) tested on serial cryostat sections identified CD6-positive cells randomly scattered in parenchyma of all examined brain areas. Northern blot analysis with a highly sensitive cRNA probe revealed a 3.1 kb CD6-specific mRNA in various brain regions, especially in basal ganglia and cortex cerebellum. Staining with mabs raised against different hematopoietic cell types, as well as hybridization with probes specific for the beta- and gamma-T cell receptor (TCR) chains support the notion that CD6 is expressed by original brain cells. The nature of the CD6-positive cell type and possible functions of shared antigens in immune and nervous systems are discussed.
