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Enrichment of LAG ‐3, but not PD ‐1, on Double Negative T Cells at the Female Genital Tract
Author(s) -
Juno Jennifer A.,
Lajoie Julie,
Stalker Andrew T.,
Oyugi Julius,
Kimani Makobu,
Kimani Joshua,
Plummer Francis A.,
Fowke Keith R.
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.12308
Subject(s) - immune system , flow cytometry , biology , sex organ , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , immunology , t cell , in vitro , biochemistry , genetics
Problem The expression of inhibitory markers such as LAG ‐3 and PD ‐1 on T lymphocytes regulates immune function. Their expression at the genital mucosa is poorly understood, but regulation of immune activation at the female genital tract likely controls susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. Method of study Cervical mononuclear cells were phenotyped by flow cytometry. Concentrations of cytokines were determined in cervical‐vaginal lavage samples by bead array. Results LAG ‐3 expression was significantly elevated at the genital mucosa and was associated with expression of CCR 5 and CD 69. Double negative ( DN ) T cells expressed the highest levels of LAG ‐3, but not PD ‐1, and were more activated than other T lymphocytes. Conclusion The elevated expression of LAG ‐3 at the genital tract suggests it may regulate T‐cell activation, and identify cells susceptible to HIV infection. The enrichment of LAG ‐3 on DN T cells suggests LAG ‐3 may contribute to the immunoregulatory activity of these cells.