Analysis of the CD4 protein on human vaginal T lymphocytes.
OBJECTIVE
Although T lymphocytes at the human vaginal mucosa have been partially characterized, there remains a paucity of information regarding cell-mediated immune mechanisms at this mucosal site. In mice and humans, there are several phenotypic distinctions between vaginal T lymphocytes and those in the peripheral circulation. Recently, we observed as well that the N-terminus of the CD4 protein on murine vaginal T lymphocytes is atypically expressed compared to its systemic counterpart, and that the atypical expression extends to the mRNA level.


METHODS
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the CD4 protein on human vaginal T lymphocytes by flow cytometry and RT-PCR.


RESULTS
Results showed that, in contrast to mice, the CD4 protein on human vaginal and peripheral blood T lymphocytes are similar at both the molecular and protein levels.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that based on several differences between human and mouse vaginal T cells, caution is urged when using mice as a model to study human vaginal immunity.
Fidel
P L
PL
Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans 70112, USA. pfidel@lsuhsc.edu
Wormley
F L
FL
Chaiban
J
J
Chesson
R R
RR
Lounev
V
V
D000328:Adult; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D017697:Premenopause; D014621:Vagina / Q000276:immunology*
D015704:CD4 Antigens