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Isolating Lymphocytes from the Mouse Small Intestinal Immune System
Published on: February 28, 2018
Identification of gamma delta T lymphocyte subsets that populate calf ileal mucosa after birth
C R Wyatt1, E J Brackett, L E Perryman
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-7040, USA.
Insights
Newborn calf ileal mucosa shows few lymphocytes, rapidly increasing by 1.5 weeks. This population includes prominent gamma delta T cells, crucial for immune development in young cattle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Gastrointestinal Immunology
- Neonatal Immunology
Background:
- The bovine immune system's development post-birth is critical for calf health.
- Understanding the ontogeny of mucosal lymphocytes is essential for identifying immune vulnerabilities in neonatal calves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the population dynamics of ileal lymphocytes in calves from birth to 3 weeks of age.
- To characterize the subsets of gamma delta T cells within the developing bovine ileal mucosa.
Main Methods:
- Single and dual fluorescence flow cytometry were employed.
- Monoclonal antibodies against bovine (Bo) CD molecules were used for lymphocyte identification.
- Analysis focused on ileal intraepithelial and lamina propria lymphocytes at different neonatal ages.
Main Results:
- Ileal mucosal lymphocyte numbers were minimal at birth, increasing significantly by 1.5 weeks and further by 3 weeks.
- A prominent subpopulation of gamma delta T cells was identified in the ileal mucosa post-birth.
- Key gamma delta T cell subsets included BoCD2+, BoCD8+, and WC1+ cells, all coexpressing ACT2.
Conclusions:
- The bovine ileal mucosa undergoes rapid lymphocyte colonization after birth, with gamma delta T cells playing a significant role.
- Specific subsets of gamma delta T cells, characterized by CD2, CD8, WC1, and ACT2 expression, populate the ileum during early development.
- These findings highlight the rapid maturation of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue in neonatal calves.
Abstract:
Ileal intraepithelial and lamina propria lymphocytes from newborn, 1.5-week-old, and 3-week-old calves were compared to determine to what extent the mucosa becomes populated after birth. Single and dual fluorescence flow cytometry were used with monoclonal antibodies to bovine (Bo) CD molecules to identify lymphocyte subpopulations. Few ileal mucosal lymphocytes were present in calves at birth. However, by 1.5 weeks of age, the villi were populated with large numbers of lymphocytes, and by 3 weeks of age, the numbers had increased further. These included a prominent subpopulation of gamma delta T cells. Several subsets of gamma delta T cells populated ileal mucosa after birth. The predominant subset coexpressed BoCD2, and a smaller subset coexpressed BoCD8. WC1+ gamma delta T cells comprised the smallest subset. All gamma delta T cell subsets coexpressed ACT2, a molecule expressed on activated WC1+ and WC1- gamma delta T cells from cattle.
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