Activation of human CD4+ and CD8+ cells by Sarcocystis gigantea lectin.
As recently reported, Sarcocystis gigantea lectin (SGL) is a powerful mitogen and a polyclonal activator (Syn. S. ovifelis) of human peripheral B-cells. In the present study we investigated the reactivity of human T-helper (CD4) and T-suppressor (CD8) cells to SGL. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) from five newborns and six adults were examined cytofluorometrically for the expression of cell-surface differentiation and activation antigens using a set of seven monoclonal antibodies. In all, 96% of cord-blood and 81% of adult CD4 cells expressed receptors for interleukin-2 (Tac+) after 64 and 164 h microgram/ml). The percentages of neonatal and adult Tac+ CD8 cells amounted to 67% and 59%, respectively. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens identified using the monoclonal anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR antibody L243 were expressed on 30% (CD4) and 44% (CD8) of adult T-cells. Neonatal HLA-DR+ T-lymphocytes were not detectable. In parallel, functional tests were performed to examine cell proliferation and MNC antibody production.
Klinik und Poliklinik für Hautkrankheiten der Charité, Humboldt-Universität, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany.
H J
HJ
Tietz
T
T
Montag
H D
HD
Volk
E
E
Brose
R
R
Gantenberg
F F
FF
Weichold
T
T
Hiepe
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002469:Cell Separation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000166:cytology; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D037102:Lectins / Q000276:immunology*; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D012522:Sarcocystis / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology*
D037102:Lectins