Induction of nuclear contour irregularity during T-cell activation via the T-cell receptor/CD3 complex and CD2 antigens in the presence of phorbol esters.
To determine whether specific T-cell activation pathways could produce nuclear contour irregularity in normal human lymphocytes, purified T cells were stimulated in vitro and subsequently analyzed by electron microscopy. The degree of nuclear contour irregularity was determined with the use of a computerized planimeter. Stimulation via the T-cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex using anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies induced Sézary-like morphology (nuclear contour indices > 6.5) in a significant portion (9% to 28%) of T cells derived from different normal donors. T-cell activation via CD2 antigens showed induction of Sézary-like nuclear morphology in a lower percentage of cells in comparison with stimulation via the TCR/CD3 complex. In contrast, mitogenic stimulation in vitro did not induce alterations of nuclear morphology in T cells. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that nuclear contour irregularity induced in vitro did not correlate with surface-antigen expression of T-cell subpopulations. The results indicate that Sézary-like morphology is associated with cell activation in normal human T cells.
Reinhold
U
U
Department of Dermatology, University of Bonn, Germany.
Herpertz
M
M
Kukel
S
S
Oltermann
I
I
Uerlich
M
M
Kreysel
H W
HW
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / Q000502:physiology*; D018801:CD2 Antigens; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D017260:Receptor-CD3 Complex, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000502:physiology*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000502:physiology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D018801:CD2 Antigens; D017260:Receptor-CD3 Complex, Antigen, T-Cell; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate