基于细胞因子分泌对人混合淋巴细胞反应中的T淋巴细胞进行测定和纯化

目的:对同种异体外周血单个核细胞(PBMNCs)刺激后分泌细胞因子的T 淋巴细胞进行测定和纯化,为研究介导同种异体反应的T淋巴细胞提供新的途径。方法: 利用新颖的细胞因子分泌检测方法(CKSA)从单细胞水平定量测定人混合淋巴细胞反应中分泌IFN-γ,IL-4 和IL-10的T 淋巴细胞; 对分泌IFN-γ 的T细胞进行磁性纯化。结果: 同种异体PBMNCs刺激后检测到分泌IFN-γ 的T淋巴细胞水平明显升高(1.12%±0.13%),而分泌IL-4 和IL-10的T淋巴细胞则无升高(分别为0.12%±0.03%和0.10%±0.03%);分泌IFN-γ 的T淋巴细胞可以被进一步纯化(93.8±22.1)倍。结论: 利用CKSA从单细胞水平定量测定同种异体PBMNCs刺激后分泌IFN-γ 的T淋巴细胞水平显著升高,这些细胞可以被有效地纯化。     

Activated CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell Proportions in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

The goal of this study was to trace the course of multiple sclerosis (MS) by evaluating the lymphocyte subpopulation counts and the levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation using flow cytometry. Samples obtained from healthy subjects (N?=?40) and patients with MS (N?=?290) were analyzed. Lymphocytes were labeled for the surface markers CD4+, CD8+, CD3+, CD16+, CD19+, CD45+, and CD53+ and the activation marker HLA-DR+. Cell counts were then determined using flow cytometry. A high degree of inter-individual variability was observed in the counts of all lymphocyte subtypes in the MS group. A significantly lower proportion of CD3+ T cells (69?±?14 % in healthy subjects and 60?±?17 % as a percent of total lymphocytes in MS patients), CD4+ T cells (41?±?11 and 28?±?18 %, respectively), and a significantly higher proportion of NK T cells (12?±?5 and 25?±?21 %, respectively) were observed in patients with MS than in healthy subjects. These differences led to a lowered CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio. Furthermore, a significantly lower proportion of activated CD4+ T cells (HLA-DR+ CD4+; from 48?±?10 to 38?±?15 % as a percent of CD4+ cells) was observed in patients with MS than in healthy subjects. The high level of inter-individual variability in lymphocyte cell counts and the counts of activated T cells suggest that MS is a complex and heterogeneous disease.     

Increased concentrations of interleukin 1-β in whole blood cultures supernatants after 12 weeks of moderate endurance exercise

The aim of the study was to investigate whether a regular moderate endurance exercise programme influenced the in vitro cytokine synthesis by stimulated whole blood cultures. To this end, eight healthy subjects exercised moderately by running for 3–5?h a week over a period of 12 weeks, whilst seven other healthy subjects served as the control group. The intensity of the exercise was determined by lactic acid concentrations in the blood which were maintained between 1.8 and 2.5?mmol?·?l^?1. Over the period of training the running velocity producing the 4?mmol?·?l^?1 lactic acid threshold increased from 2.86 (SD?0.83)?m?·?s^?1 to 3.06?±?0.79?m?·?s^?1 (P?≤?0.008). Blood samples were taken at rest before and after the training programme. The following blood parameters were determined: leucocyte count, differential leucocyte count, lymphocyte subpopulations [CD14 positive (+)/CD45+, CD4+/CD25+, CD8+, CD16+/CD122+]. Whole blood cultures were stimulated with lipopolysaccarides [interleukin (IL)-1 β and IL-6] and staphylococcal enterotoxin B [IL-2, soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL2-R) and interferon (IFN)-γ]. Cytokine concentrations in the supernatants were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The white blood cell count, differential leucocyte count, lymphocyte subset distribution and the expression of the CD25 and CD122 antigen on lymphocytes were unchanged by training. After the training programme the IL-1 β production changed significantly [1496 (SD?264) pg?·?ml^?1 before, compared to 2127 (SD?672) pg?·?ml^?1 after training, P?≤?0.008]. In the control group these parameters remained unchanged. With respect to changes in the values in both groups the syntheses of IL-1 β (P?≤?0.023) and IL-6 (P?≤?0.021) were significantly higher after regular training. The syntheses of IL-2, sIL-2 and INF-γ were not significantly influenced. Regular endurance exercise influenced the in vitro production of monocyte derived cytokines, while the effect of exercise on the cytokines synthesized by T-cells appeared to be of lesser importance.     

Immune modulation and safety profile of adoptive immunotherapy using expanded autologous activated lymphocytes against advanced cancer

Expanded activated autologous lymphocyte (EAAL) therapy with CD3(+)CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocyte and CD3(-)56(+) natural killer cell as the major effector cells is a type of adoptive cell therapy. In this study, 19 patients with metastatic tumors received EAAL therapy. Two to four weeks after the administration of EAAL cells, the subsets of CD3(+)CD8(+) T lymphocytes and CD3(-)CD56(+) natural killer cells in the peripheral blood were increased significantly in comparison with those before the therapy. The number of IFN-γ secreting cells also significantly increased after the EAAL infusion (p=0.002) and the p values for the counts of CD3(+)IFN-γ(+) lymphocytes and CD3(-)IFN-γ(+) lymphocytes were 0.006 and 0.015, respectively. Moreover, the percentage of IFN-γ producing cells of the CD3(+), CD8(+) and CD3(-) subsets after infusion were all increased significantly, which indicated that EAAL therapy was able to enrich the potentially anti-tumor cytotoxic peripheral blood lymphocytes.     

Vitamin D deficiency affects the immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in mice

The aim of the study is to investigate the immunological changes after stimulation with bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) in mice with vitamin D deficiency. After weaning, mice were divided into the vitamin D-deficient group (?D group), the normal group (N group), and the vitamin D-supplemented group (+D group). Twelve-week-old mice were intraperitoneally injected with 0.5 mg/ml BCG (≥1.0 × 10⁶ CFU/mg) and maintained for 6 weeks. Spleen lymphocytes were isolated, and the percentages of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocytes were determined by flow cytometry. IFN-γ levels, IL-10 levels, and the TB-PPD-specific antibody titer were determined by ELISA. The inter-group difference was analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and multiple comparisons were analyzed using the LSD test. The percentage of CD4⁺ cells was 27.1 ± 0.6 in the ?D group, 23.62 ± 0.42 in the N group, and 19.46 ± 0.32 in the +D group (P < 0.05). The percentage of CD8⁺ lymphocytes was 12.15 ± 0.61 in the ?D group, 8.7 ± 0.64 in the N group, and 7.12 ± 0.48 in the +D group (P < 0.05). The CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio was 2.23 ± 0.15 in the ?D group, 2.71 ± 0.21 in the N group, and 2.73 ± 0.31 in the +D group (P < 0.05). The plasma IFN-γ levels were 416.42 ± 16.42 pg/ml in the ?D group, 325.41 ± 11.16 pg/ml in the N group, and 276.26 ± 25.32 pg/ml in the +D group (P < 0.005). The plasma IL-10 levels were 16.45 ± 1.58 pg/ml in the ?D group, 24.31 ± 2.16 pg/ml in the N group, and 26.28 ± 0.42 pg/ml in the +D group (P < 0.005). The serum TB-PPD-specific antibody level was significantly higher in the ?D group than in the N and +D groups. Vitamin D deficiency affects the immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in mice.     

IL-4-producing NK T cells are biased towards IFN-γ production by IL-12. Influence of the microenvironment on the functional capacities of NK T cells

NK T cells are an unusual T lymphocyte subset capable of promptly producing several cytokines after stimulation, in particular IL-4, thus suggesting their influence in Th2 lineage commitment. In this study we demonstrate that, according to the cytokines present in the micro environment, NK T lymphocytes can preferentially produce either IL-4 or IFN-γ. In agreement with our previous reports showing that their IL-4-producing capacity is strikingly dependent on IL-7, CD4⁻ CD8⁻ TCRα β⁺ NK T lymphocytes, obtained after expansion with IL-1 plus granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, produced almost undetectable amounts of IL-4 or IFN-γ in response to TCR/CD3 cross-linking. However, the capacity of these T cells to produce IFN-γ is strikingly enhanced when IL-12 is added either during their expansion or the anti-CD3 stimulation, while IL-4 secretion is always absent. A similar effect of IL-12 on IFN-γ production was observed when NK T lymphocytes were obtained after expansion with IL-7. It is noteworthy that whatever cytokines are used for their expansion, IL-12 stimulation, in the absence of TCR/CD3 cross-linking, promotes consistent IFN-γ secretion by NK T cells without detectable IL-4 production. Experiments in vivo demonstrated a significant up-regulation of the capacity of NK T cells to produce IFN-γ after anti-CD3 mAb injection when mice were previously treated with IL-12. In conclusion, we provide evidence that the functional capacities of NK T cells, which ultimately will determine their physiological roles, are strikingly dependent on the cytokines present in their microenvironment.     

Lymphocyte subsets in distinct lung compartments show a different ability to produce interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) during a pulmonary immune response

Lymphocytes play an important immunoregulatory role in pulmonary immune responses. By releasing cytokines they can control the cell–cell communication of other participating cells. Although it is well established that the lung lymphocytes, localized in distinct compartments, differ in their subset composition, little is known about cytokine production in these compartments during immune responses. Lewis rats were immunized by intravenous administration of sheep erythrocytes on day 0 and day 7 and challenged intratracheally with sheep erythrocytes on day 10. Four days after intratracheal (i.t.) challenge the composition of lymphocyte subsets (CD2⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells) in the spleen, blood, lung perfusate, lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was characterized, and intracellular IFN-γ was detected in these subsets by flow cytometry. Comparing control and immunized animals, no changes were found in lymphocyte numbers, subsets or the percentage of IFN-γ-producing lymphocytes in the spleen, blood and lung perfusate. In lung tissue and BALF, however, the absolute number of all lymphocyte subsets and the percentage of IFN-γ-producing lymphocytes were increased. When the lymphocyte subsets were analysed an increased percentage of IFN-γ-producing T cells was found in lung tissue (4.5 ± 0.6% versus 12.8 ± 1.1%) and in BALF (7.8 ± 1.4% versus 14.8 ± 1.9%) of immunized animals opposed to controls, this increase being seen in both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells. Thus, there is an accumulation of T cells with an increased potential to produce IFN-γ in the lung interstitium and the bronchoalveolar space during pulmonary immune responses.     

Th17-Inducing Conditions Lead to in vitro Activation of Both Th17 and Th1 Responses in Behcet’s Disease

Objectives: Interleukin-17 (IL-17) has been associated with the pathogenesis of various autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Th17-related immunity in an innate immunity-dominated vasculitis, namely Behcet’s disease (BD).

Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 37 patients (age: 38.5 ± 9.8 years) with BD, and 25 healthy controls (HC) (age: 39.1 ± 9.3 years), were cultured in Th17-inducing conditions (IL-6, Phytohemagglutinin (PHA), IL-1β, and IL-23) for 6 days. Cultured cells were stained with CD4, CD8, CD3, TCR gamma/delta, CD19, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and IL-17 antibodies to determine the intracellular cytokine secretion by flow cytometry.

Results: IL-17 expression by CD8+ and γδ+ T cells was higher in BD compared to HC (p = 0.004, p = 0.003, respectively). No differences were observed between the groups in the IL-17 production by B cells. Under Th17-inducing conditions, production of IFN-γ by CD4+, CD8+, and γδ+ T cells was also higher in BD compared to HC (p < 0.05 in all).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that under Th17-stimulating conditions, T cells express both IL-17 and IFN-γ in BD. More prominent IL-17 and IFN-γ production by all lymphocyte subsets in BD might be associated with the increased innate responses, early tissue neutrophil infiltrations and late adaptive immunity in BD.     

小鼠接种HBV疫苗引起的特异性细胞免疫反应

目的：研究小鼠免疫接种基因重组乙型肝炎表面抗原疫苗(rHBs)产生的特异性细胞免疫反应。 方法： 40只BALB/c小鼠随机分为0.65、1.25、2.5、5 μg 4组，腹腔分别接种0.65、1.25、2.5、5 μg的rHBs 1次或2次。初次免疫后4周或加强免疫后2周分离小鼠脾T淋巴细胞；分别进行以下实验：实验组用rHBs(10 mg/L)刺激脾T淋巴细胞，对照组用PBS代替rHBs刺激脾T淋巴细胞；3 d后用［3H］掺入法检测脾T淋巴细胞特异性增殖反应，以［3H］掺入的同位素counts·min-1值及刺激指数(SI, 实验组counts·min-1值/对照组counts·min-1值)表示。同时用ELISA方法检测培养液中白细胞介素-2(IL-2)及γ-干扰素(IFN-γ)的浓度。 结果：只接受单次免疫的0.65、1.25、2.5、5 μg组小鼠脾T淋巴细胞特异性增殖反应SI分别为1.55、1.93、2.41、2.811；小鼠脾T淋巴细胞释放的IL-2分别为(5.48±8.88)、(9.28±6.98)、(28.53±14.32)、(64.69±20.88)ng/L，释放的IFN-γ分别为(8.22±8.61)、(9.89±9.34)、(20.27±15.50)、(30.77±22.12)ng/L。接受加强免疫的0.65、1.25、2.5、5 μg组小鼠脾T淋巴细胞特异性增殖反应SI分别为1.61、2.05、3.74、3.62；小鼠脾T淋巴细胞释放的IL-2分别为(5.75±5.04)、(102.53±67.52)、(177.13±91.12)、(332.10±124.31)ng/L，释放的γ-干扰素分别为(3.63±4.42)、(28.33±13.04)、(59.66±25.75)、(80.73±19.30)ng/L。 结论： 小鼠接种rHBs后, 脾T淋巴细胞产生特异性增殖反应，并特异性分泌IL-2、γ-干扰素，反应强度与是否加强免疫及接种的剂量密切相关。     

CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节T细胞抑制肺结核患者特异细胞免疫

  目的 了解结核患者外周血中CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节T细胞在抑制结核患者结核特异细胞免疫反应中的作用。 方法 使用细胞分离、流式细胞分析、细胞增殖和细胞因子测定等方法,比较结核患者及健康正常人群外周血中CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节T细胞的量及功能特征的差异。 结果 结核患者外周血中CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节T细胞数占CD4+细胞总数的比例显著高于健康正常人群;在BCG及ESAT-6的刺激下,结核患者外周血单个核细胞增殖能力和产生γ-干扰素的能力比健康正常人群明显增强。在BCG刺激下,结核患者外周血CD4-细胞产生γ-干扰素(1289.62±519.01)及白介素-10(1045.40±534.12)的能力比结核患者外周血BPMCs细胞产生γ-干扰素(624.50±261.13)及白介素-10(377.00±249.56)的能力显著增强(均p<0.05);在BCG及ESAT-6的刺激下,结核患者外周血CD4+CD25+调节T细胞显著抑制结核患者外周血CD4+CD25-细胞产生γ-干扰素及白介素-10。 结论 结核患者CD4+CD25+FoxP3+调节T细胞数量增多,抑制结核患者结核特异细胞免疫反应功能增强,可能与结核的发生、发展及转归有密切关系。     

Schistosoma-specific helper T cell clones from subjects resistant to infection by Schistosoma mansoni are Th0/2

Although T helper cells play a critical role in human immunity against schistosomes, the properties of the T lymphocytes that govern resistance and pathogenesis in human schistosomiasis are still poorly defined. This work addresses the question as to whether human resistance to Schistosoma mansoni is associated with a particular T helper subset. Twenty-eight CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8^? parasite-specific T cell clones were isolated from three adults with high degree of resistance to infection by S. mansoni. The lymphokine secretion profiles of these clones were determined and compared to those of 21 CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8^? clones with unknown specificity, established from these same subjects in the same cloning experiment. Almost all parasite-specific clones produced interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ in large amounts. However, they generally produced more IL-4 than IFN-γ; variations in IL-4/IFN-γ ratios were accounted for by differences in IFN-γ production since IL-4 levels were comparable for the clones from the three subjects. T cell clones of unknown specificity produced significantly less IL-4 and more IFN-γ than parasite-specific T cell clones. Most clones produced IL-2, and IL-2 production did not differ between the two types of clones. Parasite-specific T cell clones from the resistant subjects were compared to specific T cell clones from a sensitized adult from a nonendemic area: T cell clones from this latter subject were the highest IFN-γ and the lowest IL-4 producers, compared to those of resistant subjects. Thus, parasite-specific T cell clones isolated from adults resistant to S. mansoni belong to the Th0 subset and produced more IL-4 than IFN-γ (Th0/2), whereas clones of a sensitized adult from a nonendemic area are also Th0, but produce more IFN-γ than IL-4 (Th0/1). These results support previous conclusions on the role of IgE in protection against schistosomes in humans, and may indicate that IFN-γ is required for full protection.     

Reconfiguration of NKT Cell Subset Compartment Is Associated with Plaque Development in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Accumulating evidence shows that immune cells play an important role in carotid atherosclerotic plaque development. In this study, we assessed the association of 6 different natural killer T (NKT) cell subsets, based on CD57 and CD8 expression, with risk for development of carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP). Molecular expression by peripheral NKT cells was evaluated in 13 patients with high-risk CAP and control without carotid stenosis (n?=?18). High-risk CAP patients, compared with healthy subjects, had less percentage of CD57+CD8? NKT cell subsets (8.64?±?10.15 versus 19.62?±?10.8 %; P?=?0.01) and CD57+CD8int NKT cell subsets (4.32?±?3.04 versus 11.87?±?8.56 %; P?=?0.002), with a corresponding increase in the CD57?CD8high NKT cell subsets (33.22?±?11.87 versus 18.66?±?13.68 %; P?=?0.007). Intracellular cytokine staining showed that CD8+ NKT cell subset was the main cytokine-producing NKT cell. Cytokine production in plasma was measured with Bio-Plex assay. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (IFN-γ, IL-17, IP-10) were significantly higher in CAP patients as compared to that from controls. These data provide evidence that NKT cell subset compartment reconfiguration in patients with carotid stenosis seems to be associated with the occurrence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque and suggest that both pathogenic and protective NKT cell subsets exist.     

生长抑素对猕猴肠缺血再灌注后回肠黏膜IFN-γ的影响

探讨生长抑素(somatostatin,SST)对肠缺血再灌注(intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury,IIR)后回肠黏膜IFN-γ产生及IIR免疫炎症损伤的影响。取15只健康猕猴分为正常对照、IIR、SST+IIR三组(n=5),ELISA检测回肠组织、肠上皮细胞、肠淋巴细胞、肠淋巴细胞孵育上清液、外周血、门静脉血中IFN-γ的水平;免疫组化检测IFN-γ、CD4、CD8、CD57的分布,图像分析软件测定阳性面积及IOD值。发现,IIR后回肠黏膜上皮细胞、门静脉血内IFN-γ水平较正常组显著增加[分别为(30.7±20.1)pg/mg和(9.4±2.4)pg/mg总蛋白;(18.1±1.1)pg/ml和(8.7±1.3)pg/ml](P<0.05),而肠淋巴细胞及其上清液的IFN-γ水平较正常组明显降低[分别为(1.7±0.02)pg/mg和(11.1±4.0)pg/mg总蛋白;(2.2±0.3)pg/mg和(5.2±1.5)pg/mg](P<0.05);预防性给予SST后,与IIR组比较,回肠上皮细胞及门静脉血内IFN-γ的水平显著下降[分别为(13.6±4.9)pg/mg总蛋白,P=0.055;(8.9±2.5)pg/ml,P<0.05],肠淋巴细胞及其上清液的IFN-γ水平无明显变化。组织匀浆及外周血的IFN-γ水平在三组间无明显差别。CD4+细胞、CD57+细胞分布与IFN-γ无关,CD8+细胞分布与IFN-γ变化趋势相反。因之,SST负性调控IIR时回肠上皮细胞IFN-γ的产生,从而可能阻止多器官功能障碍的发生发展。     

人外周血自然杀伤T细胞体外扩增及其功能的初步研究

为了建立人自然杀伤T(NKT)细胞在体外扩增的方法并对其功能进行初步的研究,通过不同的方法从人外周血单个核细胞(MNC)和纯化T淋巴细胞中扩增TCRVα24+/Vβ11+NKT细胞,并采用流式细胞术测定NKT细胞中IL-4、IFN-γ、TNF-α分泌水平。采用CD4/CD8免疫磁珠去除CD4+和CD8+细胞进一步纯化NKT细胞,并用DIOC18染色及流式细胞术测定NKT细胞杀伤活性。α半乳糖神经酰胺(α-Galcer)和IL-2可以使NKT细胞在体外扩增。扩增19d后,TCRVα24+/Vβ11+细胞比率最高上升到25.5%±7.2%,NKT细胞最大扩增倍数达到(1.51±0.91)×104倍。体外扩增的NKT细胞高表达TCRVα24、Vβ11、CD3、CD161,低表达CD56。在CD3单克隆抗体和IL-2刺激下,TCRVβ11+细胞分泌IL-4和IFN-γ的细胞比例均高于TCRVβ11-细胞(P<0.05)。去除CD4+和CD8+细胞后NKT细胞含量上升到80%。NKT细胞对肿瘤细胞株U937和HL60以及树突状细胞具有较强的细胞毒效应。NKT细胞可以通过α-Galcer直接从人外周血MNC扩增获得,从而简化实验步骤。     

诱导共刺激分子转基因小鼠类风湿性关节炎中滤泡辅助性T细胞的极化

目的 探讨可诱导共刺激分子(ICOS)转基因小鼠类风湿性关节炎(RA)模型中ICOS信号对滤泡辅助性T细胞(Tfh)极化的影响.方法 1.流式细胞仪分析测定ICOS转基因(ICOS-Trangenic,ICOS-Tg)小鼠及其野生型对照(WT)小鼠脾细胞CD4+T淋巴细胞共刺激分子ICOS在不同时期的表达趋势及特征;2.ELISA检测脾淋巴细胞培养悬液中干扰素(IFN)-γ、IL-21、IL-23、IL-17的水平;结果1.野生型RA小鼠脾CD4+T淋巴细胞表面的ICOS的表达水平从4w到12w为上升趋势(％)(4 W:6.5 ±1.0;7 W:13.2±1.3;12 W:23.5±:2.1);ICOS-Tg小鼠脾CD4+T淋巴细胞表面ICOS的表达三期同样呈上升趋势(％)(4W:8.2±0.9;7W:17.2±1.5;12W:31.6 ±3.0),但与野生型小鼠相比各期均表达上调(均P＜0.05);2.野生型小鼠IFN-γ从4W开始表达上升,7周达峰值后下降,ICOS-Tg小鼠同野生型小鼠相比,趋势相同但表达在各期呈下调趋势,差异有统计学意义(4 W～20 W均P＜0.05);野生型小鼠的IL-21、IL-23及IL-17的表达于4周上升,12周达峰值后下降,ICOS-Tg小鼠同野生型小鼠相比,三者的各期表达趋势相同但呈上调趋势(IL-21和IL-17有统计学意义,P＜0.05;IL-23无统计学意义,P＞0.05).结论 RA小鼠在其致病过程中共刺激信号ICOS呈上调表达;ICOS-Tg小鼠同野生型小鼠相比,其脾淋巴细胞培养上清中IFN-γ呈显著下调趋势;Tfh分化相关的细胞因子IL-21、IL-17则均显著上调表达.Tfh细胞及其作用因子很可能参与了RA的免疫应答,与RA的发生发展有关.     

Characteristics of γδ T cells in Schistosoma japonicum-infected mouse mesenteric lymph nodes

Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are mainly present in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues, which play an important role in mucosal immunity. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were infected by Schistosoma japonicum and lymphocytes were isolated from the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) to identify changes in the phenotype and function of γδ T cells using flow cytometry. Our results indicated that the absolute number of γδ T cells from the MLNs of infected mice was significantly higher compared with normal mice (P?P?+ γδ T cells (P?IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-9, and IL-17 in response to propylene glycol monomethyl acetate (PMA) plus ionomycin simulation, and the levels of IL-4, IL-9, and IL-17 increased significantly after S. japonicum infection (P?S. japonicum infection could induce γδ T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation in the MLN. Moreover, our results indicated that the expression of NKG2D (CD314) was not increased in γδ T cells after infection, suggesting that other mechanisms are involved in activating γδ T cells. Furthermore, higher expression of programmed death-1 (CD279) but not IL-10 was detected in the γδ T cells isolated from infected mice (P?S. japonicum infection.     

Modulation of interferon-γ receptor during human T lymphocyte alloactivation

Previous work has shown that neutralization of physiologically secreted interferon(IFN)-γ or blockade of its receptor during T lymphocyte activation inhibits both proliferation and cytotoxic T lymphocyte generation, suggesting that IFN-γ plays a crucial role in T lymphocyte induction and differentiation. In this study, the kinetics of the surface expression of the 90-kDa IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γR) was followed during human mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) to alloantigens. IFN-γR mRNA is constitutively expressed on resting peripheral blood lymphocytes emerging from nylon wood column (NW-PBL) and its expression increases two- to threefold on alloactivated NW-PBL. IFN-γR protein is poorly expressed on the membrane of resting CD3⁺ cells, but up-modulates after 3-day MLR and sharply down-modulates at day 6. Both the p55 and the p75 chains of interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) were shown to up-modulate in parallel with IFN-γR, whereas they were still highly expressed at day 6. After alloactivation, IFN-γ and IL-2 secretion starts at 24 h, peaks at day 3 and decreases just when IFN-γR and IL-2R begin to up-modulate. Proliferation peaks at day 6. Lastly, stimulation with distinct cell populations showed that the intensity of lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-γR membrane up-modulation, and IFN-γ and IL-2 secretion are regulated in a parallel manner, thus suggesting that they are interrelated. Taken as whole these results demonstrate that increased expression of IFN-γR on T lymphocytes can be a critical event during their activation, and strongly support the hypothesis that IFN-γ/IFN-γR interaction provides a signal for its progression.     

Protective efficacy in chickens of recombinant plasmid pET32a(+)-ADF-3-1E of Eimeria acervulina

This experiment was conducted to study the protective efficacy of recombinant plasmid pET32a(+)-ADF-3-1E in coccidian-infected breeding chickens. The 7-day-old chickens were randomly divided into five groups: a recombinant plasmid pET32a(+)-ADF-3-1E group, a pET32a(+)-ADF group, a pET32a(+)-3-1E group, a control group, and an infection control group. The chickens were immunized intramuscularly with recombinant plasmid DNA in a dose of 200 μg, respectively, and a booster vaccination was given at the same dosage 1 week later. The peripheral blood T lymphocyte proliferation, serum IgG antibody response, and levels of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were detected, respectively. The chickens were inoculated with 4?×?10⁶ Eimeria acervulina-sporulated oocysts (Baoding strain) on the seventh day after the last immunization to evaluate the protective efficiency of the recombinant plasmid DNA. The results showed that the lymphocyte proliferation, serum IgG antibody, and IL-2 and IFN-γ levels in recombinant plasmid DNA group were significantly higher than those in control group (P?<?0.01). The lymphocyte proliferation, serum IgG antibody, and IL-2 and IFN-γ levels in pET32a(+)-ADF-3-1E group were significantly higher than those in pET32a(+)-3-1E group and pET32a(+)-ADF group, respectively (P?<?0.05). It indicated that the pET32a(+)-ADF-3-1E could produce stronger immune responses. The relative body weight gain rate in pET32a(+)-ADF-3-1E group was 88.36 %, which was significantly higher than that in control group (P?<?0.05) and infection control group (P?<?0.01). The reductions of oocyst production and lesion scores in pET32a(+)-ADF-3-1E group were 67.88 and 67.13 %, respectively. The oocyst excretion and the lesion score of chickens in pET32a(+)-ADF-3-1E group were lower than those in infection control group, respectively. Anticoccidial index (ACI) value in group immunized with pET32a(+)-ADF-3-1E was 169.82. ACI value of 160–179 was considered as effective. These results demonstrated that the pET32a(+)-ADF-3-1E recombinant plasmid DNA could effectively improve the cellular responses and humoral immune responses of the chickens, and it might provide protection against coccidiosis in chickens.