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Phenotype and Functionality of CD 4 + and CD 8 + T Cells in the Upper Reproductive Tract of Healthy Premenopausal Women
Author(s) -
Shanmugasundaram Uma,
Critchfield J. William,
Pannell Jane,
Perry Jean,
Giudice Linda C.,
SmithMcCune Karen,
Greenblatt Ruth M.,
Shacklett Barbara L.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/aji.12182
Subject(s) - flow cytometry , phenotype , endocervical curettage , immunology , chemokine , endometrium , biology , follicular phase , andrology , immune system , medicine , endocrinology , gene , genetics , cervical cancer , cancer , cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Problem The goal of this study was to investigate the phenotype and functional responsiveness of CD 4 + and CD 8 + T‐cells in the upper reproductive tract of healthy premenopausal women. The lower reproductive tract is frequently studied as a site of sexually transmitted infections; however, the upper reproductive tract may also be a portal of entry and dissemination for pathogens, including HIV ‐1. Method of Study Endometrial biopsy, endocervical curettage, cytobrush, and blood were collected during mid‐luteal phase from 23 healthy women. T‐cells were isolated and analyzed by flow cytometry. Results As compared with their counterparts in blood, endometrial and endocervical T‐cells had enhanced CCR 5 expression, and were enriched for activated, effector memory cells. Endometrial T‐cells were more responsive to polyclonal stimuli, producing a broad range of cytokines and chemokines. Conclusion These findings underscore the responsiveness of endometrial T‐cells to stimulation, and reveal their activated phenotype. These findings also suggest susceptibility of the upper reproductive tract to HIV ‐1 infection.