Characterization of functionally distinct subpopulations of rabbit T lymphocytes.
Two subpopulations of rabbit spleen and mesenteric lymph node T cells were identified by a monoclonal antibody, 8AC8. These subpopulations were separated on the flow cytometer and were analysed for their response to T cell mitogens and antigens, their responsiveness in mixed lymphocyte cultures, and their ability to function as cytotoxic effector cells. The 8AC8+ T cell subpopulation contained cells highly responsive to T cell mitogens, to antigen, and to allogeneic or autologous stimuli in a mixed lymphocyte reaction. In contrast, the 8AC8- T cell subpopulation was non-responsive to T cell mitogens, and responded, poorly to antigen, and to allogeneic and autologous stimuli in an MLR. Both the 8AC8+ and 8AC8- subpopulations exhibited xenogenic cytotoxic effector function. Thus, the 8AC8 MAb identified a subpopulation of mature differentiated rabbit T cells; these 8AC8+ cells share many of the characteristics of the human OKT4 helper/inducer T cell subpopulation.
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006433:Hemocyanins / Q000276:immunology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D011817:Rabbits / Q000276:immunology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification* / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D008934:Mitogens; D006433:Hemocyanins; C032808:keyhole-limpet hemocyanin