Membrane CD45R isoform exchange on CD4 T cells is rapid, frequent and dynamic in vivo.
CD4 T cells bearing high (240-190 kDa) and low (180 kDa) molecular mass isoforms of the leukocyte common antigen CD45 define functionally distinct subsets which have been equated with naive and memory T cells. In the rat, CD4 T cells expressing a high molecular mass isoform [identified by monoclonal antibody MRC-OX22 (anti-CD45RC)] exchange this for the 180 kDa molecule (CD45RC-) when stimulated by antigen. Here we show, by transferring mature allotype-marked CD45RC- CD4 T cells (depleted of immature Thy-1+ CD45RC- recent thymic emigrants) into normal euthymic recipients, that many T cells re-express the high molecular mass isoform in less than 6 h. By 24 h, 30-60% of CD45RC- CD4 T cells became CD45RC+; within a week the entire cohort appeared to exchange the low for the high molecular mass isoform. Isoform exchange was dynamic and many CD4 T cells returned once again to the CD45RC- state. CD45RC- CD4 T cells declined in number more rapidly than the CD45RC+ subset after transfer. The results suggest that CD45R isoforms distinguish between resting T cells (CD45RC+) and those which have encountered antigen in the recent past. CD45R isoforms would appear to be unsuitable markers of naive and memory T cells.
Immunology Research Group, Biological Sciences, University Medical School, Manchester.
S M
SM
Sparshott
E B
EB
Bell
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D002470:Cell Survival; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology
D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens