Equine trophoblast as an immunological target.
A cytotoxic T-lymphocyte assay was used to determine whether equine chorionic girdle cells are susceptible to lysis by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells primed in vitro against allogeneic lymphocytes. Classical cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity against fresh or cultured trophoblast targets was demonstrated using peripheral blood lymphocytes from nonpregnant mares. Lysis of allogeneic (horse) and xenogeneic (donkey) lymphocyte targets was used as a control for trophoblast lysis. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I specificity of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte reactions was determined using panels of MHC-typed target cells. The results of the present study demonstrate that the MHC class I antigens expressed on equine chorionic girdle cells are functional proteins, which can serve as targets for CD8+ allospecific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Furthermore, these findings indicate strongly that, at least in the in vitro assay used, MHC class I positive chorionic girdle cells do not display any mechanisms that can protect them from lysis by activated maternal T cells.
Baker
J M
JM
Equine Genetics Center, James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Bamford
A I
AI
Carlson
M L
ML
Mcculloch
C E
CE
Antczak
D F
DF
D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D018397:Equidae / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000276:immunology*