Generation and regeneration of a novel anti-CD8-resistant cytolytic T lymphocyte population.
We recently reported that the in vivo development of a novel CD8(+), but anti-CD8 mAb-resistant, CTL population is complex and distinct from that of conventional anti-CD8 mAb-sensitive CD8(+) CTL. In this study, we explored the role of the thymus in the generation of anti-CD8-resistant pCTL and in their maintenance once they are generated. We also investigated the capacities of the adult periphery and thymus to support the regeneration of anti-CD8-resistant pCTL after peripheral lymphocyte and/or thymocyte depletion. These studies indicate that the thymus is necessary for the generation but not the maintenance of peripheral anti-CD8-resistant pCTL. These studies also indicate that the adult thymus can produce these pCTL and the adult periphery can support their regeneration, if a new wave of thymic maturation is experimentally induced. These results may have implications for immune reconstitution after treatment for cancer or HIV infection.
Dougall
D S
DS
Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA.
Lamousé-Smith
E S
ES
McCarthy
S A
SA
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008819:Mice, Nude; D012038:Regeneration; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D016827:CD8 Antigens