Enhanced B-lymphocyte expression of IL-2R alpha associated with T lymphocytosis in BLV-infected persistently lymphocytotic cows.
Peripheral blood lymphocytes from bovine leukemia virus (BLV)-negative and BLV-infected, aleukemic cows with persistent lymphocytosis were evaluated for expression of B and T lymphocyte subset-specific molecules and co-expression of the interleukin-2 receptor alpha (IL-2R alpha) molecule. Results demonstrate enhanced mitogen-induced expression of the IL-2R alpha molecule on B lymphocytes from BLV-infected, lymphocytotic cows. Lymphocyte subset analyses further demonstrate that BLV-infected, lymphocytotic cows are not only characterized by sustained elevations in CD5+ B lymphocytes, but also show significantly elevated numbers of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T lymphocytes. These results provide evidence suggesting that B lymphocytes from BLV-infected, lymphocytotic cows are more sensitive to activation signals and up-regulation of the IL-2 signaling pathway than lymphocytes from clinically normal BLV-free cows, and that T lymphocytes may be involved in the aberrant regulatory pathways underlying BLV-induced persistent B lymphocytosis.
Stone
D M
DM
Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-7040.
McElwain
T F
TF
Davis
W C
WC
D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D018956:CD5 Antigens; D002417:Cattle; D016583:Enzootic Bovine Leukosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D001909:Leukemia Virus, Bovine; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology; D008218:Lymphocytosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D010641:Phenotype; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000502:physiology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D018956:CD5 Antigens; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2