Definition of a population of CD4-8- T cells that express the alpha beta T-cell receptor and respond to interleukins 2, 3, and 4.
Whereas most T cells express surface CD4 or CD8 molecules, a minority lacks both. CD4-8- cells usually express the gamma delta T-cell receptor, but here we describe a population of CD4-8- T cells from the peripheral blood that express the alpha beta heterodimer. These cells have different surface antigens than gamma delta+ T cells, expressing CD5 but lacking CD16, and differ in function from gamma delta+ T cells. CD4-8- alpha beta+ cells lack non-major histocompatibility complex-restricted cytolytic function but can be induced to lyse their target cells after activation of their T-cell receptors. A peculiar characteristic of these cells is their responsiveness to interleukin 3. Since these cells have not altered their phenotype or function over a 12-month period in culture, they appear to be mature T cells. The results indicate that normal human peripheral blood contains two subsets of CD4-8- T cells, expressing either gamma delta or alpha beta receptors, that differ in function, phenotype, and growth control.
Londei
M
M
Charing Cross Sunley Research Centre, Hammersmith, London, England.
Verhoef
A
A
De Berardinis
P
P
Kissonerghis
M
M
Grubeck-Loebenstein
B
B
Feldmann
M
M
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D002460:Cell Line; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007377:Interleukin-3 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D010641:Phenotype; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D007376:Interleukin-2; D007377:Interleukin-3; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D015847:Interleukin-4