Characterization of an unusual cell type (CD4+ CD3-) expanded by helminth infection and related to the parasite stress response
Estes, D.M.; Turaga, P.S.; Sievers, K.M.; Teale, J.M.
Journal of Immunology 150(5): 1846-1856
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1767 PMID: 8436820 Document Number: 407288
It was found that incubation of splenocytes from M. corti-infected BALB/c mice with M. corti-secreted molecules or the isolated M. corti hsp70 resulted in the expansion of an unusual cell type with the morphology of large granular lymphocytes. The cell lines expressed Thy-1, CD4 (low), and CD45RB but lacked TCR alpha beta , TCR gamma delta , CD3, CD8, and sIg. The lack of a TCR suggested NK cells, but no cytolytic activity could be detected. In addition, the cell lines constitutively produced IL-6 and could be induced to express IL-2, but not IL-4, IL-5 or IFN- gamma . Given the phenotype of these cells, it is thought that they represent T lineage precursors or some type of effector cells. CD3- CD4+ cells appeared to be expanded in the spleens and livers of M. corti-infected animals, suggesting an important role in infection. The selective growth of this cell type with M. corti hsp70 is thought to suggest that the outgrowth and in vivo expansion of these cells may be related to the stress response of the parasite.