Unique CD8+ T cell-rich lymphoid aggregates in human uterine endometrium.
Using confocal scanning laser microscopy of viable tissue sections, we have demonstrated organized lymphoid aggregates (LA), that have a unique structure, in the stratum basalis of uterine endometrium. These LA consist of a core of B cells surrounded by more numerous T cells and an outer halo of monocytes/ macrophages. The T cells in the LA were almost exclusively CD8+CD4-. These CD8+ LA, in terms of both their T cell and B cell components, were either small or absent during the early proliferative stage of the menstrual cycle, significantly larger in size at mid-cycle and during the secretory phase, and absent in post-menopausal women, suggesting that their development is hormonally influenced. This new finding of a menstrual cycle-dependent, phenotypically unique, organized immune cell structure may lead to new insights into the mechanisms by which the endometrium accepts a semiallogeneic graft while providing resistance to infectious organisms.
Yeaman
G R
GR
Department of Microbiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA.
Guyre
P M
PM
Fanger
M W
MW
Collins
J E
JE
White
H D
HD
Rathbun
W
W
Orndorff
K A
KA
Gonzalez
J
J
Stern
J E
JE
Wira
C R
CR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D002449:Cell Aggregation / Q000502:physiology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000166:cytology*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype
D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II