Preferential gene transcription of T helper 2 cytokines in peripheral CCR4(+) CD4(+) lymphocytes in dogs.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies reported the involvement of CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4)-positive CD4(+) cells in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis. In humans, CCR4 is selectively expressed on type 2 helper T (Th2) cells; however, a subset of canine CCR4(+) helper T cells has not been determined.


OBJECTIVE
To characterize the transcription profile of CCR4(+) CD4(+) lymphocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy dogs.


METHODS
Three healthy dogs were used.


METHODS
The transcription levels of type 1 helper T (Th1) and Th2 cytokines in CCR4(+) CD4(+) and CCR4(-) CD4(+) lymphocytes isolated from healthy dogs were quantified by real-time RT-PCR.


RESULTS
The CCR4(+) CD4(+) lymphocytes preferentially transcribed Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, but not Th1 cytokines, such as interferon-γ.


CONCLUSIONS
CCR4 can be used as a specific marker of Th2 cells for elucidation of the pathogenesis or the establishment of novel therapeutics in canine Th2-associated diseases, such as canine atopic dermatitis.
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
Aki
A
Iio
Department of Tissue and Organ Development, Regeneration and Advanced Medical Science, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan.
Tsutomu
T
Motohashi
Department of Tissue and Organ Development, Regeneration and Advanced Medical Science, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan.
Takahiro
T
Kunisada
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
Yuma
Y
Yasuhira
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
Hiroaki
H
Kamishina
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
Sadatoshi
S
Maeda
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D054398:Receptors, CCR4; D059467:Transcriptome
D016207:Cytokines; D054398:Receptors, CCR4