Bovine milk lymphocytes display the phenotype of memory T cells and are predominantly CD8+

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B C Taylor1, J D Dellinger, J S Cullor

  • 1Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis 95616-8739.

Cellular Immunology
|June 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Bovine milk contains more T lymphocytes than B lymphocytes, with milk T cells showing characteristics of memory cells. CD4+ T cell numbers increase in milk as lactation progresses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Veterinary Science
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Lymphocyte populations differ between peripheral blood and bovine milk.
  • Understanding these differences is crucial for mammary gland health and immune surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the phenotype of bovine milk lymphocytes (BML) with peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL).
  • To characterize T lymphocyte subsets and their activation status in bovine milk.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry was used to analyze lymphocyte populations.
  • Monoclonal antibodies specific for bovine leukocyte differentiation antigens were employed.

Main Results:

  • T lymphocytes selectively traffic into bovine milk, while B lymphocytes are a minor population compared to peripheral blood.
  • Milk T cells predominantly express CD8+ and alpha beta T cell receptors, with markers indicative of memory T cells (higher CD2, lower CD45R).
  • CD4+ T cells were found in lower numbers in early lactation (first 50 days) and increased as lactation advanced.

Conclusions:

  • Bovine milk harbors a distinct lymphocyte population, enriched in CD8+ memory T cells.
  • The composition of milk T cells, particularly CD4+ subsets, changes dynamically throughout lactation.

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