Variability of CD3 membrane expression and T cell activation capacity.
AlphabetaT cells have a wide distribution of CD3 membrane density. The aim of this article was to evaluate the significance of the CD3 differential expression on T cell subsets. Analysis was performed on healthy donors and renal transplant patients by flow cytometry. The results obtained are: (1) CD3 expression was widely distributed (CV = 38.3 +/- 3.1 to 43 +/- 2.3%). (2) The CD4, CD8, CD45 and forward scatter were similarly distributed. (3) The diversity of CD3 expression was directly related to the clonotypes: gamma9, non gamma9 from gammadeltaT cells and Vbeta clonotype from alphabetaT cells (e.g., Vbeta3FITC 7,980 +/- 1,628 Vbeta8PE: Vbeta20-FITC 11,768 +/- 1,510). (4) Using a computer simulation, we could confirm differential kinetics of T cell activation according to the initial parameters. Finally, in vitro activation was significantly higher on Vbeta8 and Vbeta9 (high CD3) compared with Vbeta2 and Vbeta3 (low CD3, P = 0.040-0.0003). In conclusion, T cells have highly heterogeneous CD3 expression, possibly predetermined and with clear functional significance.
El Hentati
Fatima-Zahra
FZ
Department of Engineering and Health, Ecole Nationale des Mines, Saint Etienne, France.
Gruy
Frederic
F
Iobagiu
Cristina
C
Lambert
Claude
C
D000328:Adult; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*
D017252:CD3 Complex