Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) is differentially expressed in human Th1 and Th2 cells.
We have used a real-time quantitative RT-PCR technique (TaqMan, PE Biosystems) to identify genes that are differentially expressed by human polarised CD4(+) T cell subsets (Th1 or Th2). The goal was to test the feasibility of the detection method in profiling the expression of a set of marker genes important for Th1 and Th2 differentiation. We demonstrate that in polarised human Th1 cells signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is expressed at 7-25-fold higher levels than in Th2 cells. Along with SLAM, expression of the IL-12 receptor chain beta 2 (IL-12R beta 2) and the IFN-gamma receptor chain beta (IFN-gamma R beta) proved to be useful molecular markers indicating the state of T cell polarisation, as previously reported. Treatment with IL-12 increased SLAM mRNA expression in T cells by 3-4-fold, whereas a number of other cytokines including PDGF-BB, IFN-alpha A, IFN-alpha A/D, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma or IL-9 had no effect. Stimulating T cells by co-ligating CD3 and CD28 increased SLAM protein surface expression in both Th1 and Th2 cells. In conclusion, real-time RT-PCR detection was found to be an accurate, sensitive and highly reproducible method for fast profiling of mRNA expression in Th1 and Th2 cell subsets.
Hamalainen
H
H
Roche Bioscience, 3401 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94-301, USA. heli.hamalainen@btk.utu.fi
Meissner
S
S
Lahesmaa
R
R
D015703:Antigens, CD; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D017471:Receptors, Interferon / Q000235:genetics; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin / Q000235:genetics; D053707:Receptors, Interleukin-12; D000071177:Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family Member 1; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D000096743:Interferon gamma Receptor
D015703:Antigens, CD; D006023:Glycoproteins; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D017471:Receptors, Interferon; D018123:Receptors, Interleukin; D053707:Receptors, Interleukin-12; D000071177:Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family Member 1; D000096743:Interferon gamma Receptor