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Detection of Antigen‐Specific T Cells in Experimental Immune‐Mediated Blepharoconjunctivitis in DO11.10 T Cell Receptor Transgenic Mice
Author(s) -
Ozaki Akemi,
Ishida Waka,
Fukata Kazuyo,
Fukushima Atsuki,
Ueno Hisayuki
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
microbiology and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.664
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1348-0421
pISSN - 0385-5600
DOI - 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2004.tb03485.x
Subject(s) - t cell receptor , adoptive cell transfer , biology , antigen , immune system , t lymphocyte , microbiology and biotechnology , t cell , immunology , immunohistochemistry
Antigen (Ag)‐specific T cells are thought to play a key role in pathogenesis of chronic allergic conjunctivitis (AC) such as atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). In order to investigate the trafficking of Ag‐specific T cells in experimental immune‐mediated blepharoconjunctivitis (EC), we established a novel AC model in DO11.10 T cell receptor (TcR) transgenic (Tg) mice. DO11.10 TcR‐Tg mice were challenged with eye drops of whole OVA protein, OVA peptide 1–15, 321–335, or 323–339. Their eyes were histologically examined. Conventional proliferation assay was performed against each Ag. Phenotypes of infiltrating cells and kinetics of Ag‐specific T cells were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Adoptive transfer of CD4 + Ag‐specific T cells from DO11.10 TcR‐Tg to WT mice was performed. The distribution of KJ1–26 + cells was investigated in recipient mice. The challenge of OVA peptide 323–339 induced infiltration of inflammatory cells in conjunctivae in a dose dependent manner, accompanied by the proliferative responses of splenocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed Ag‐specific/non‐Ag‐specific T cells, macrophages, and eosinophils in conjunctivae. Infiltration of Ag‐specific T cells increased 24 hr later. Transfer of CD4 + cells from DO11.10 TcR‐Tg to WT mice induced EC depending on the number of transferred cells. Ag‐specific T cells were detected in the conjunctivae and spleens of recipient mice, though its numbers were significantly smaller compared to DO11.10 TcR‐Tg mice. The challenge of OVA peptide 323–339 induced EC in DO11.10 TcR‐Tg mice without prior sensitization. The response was mediated by CD4 + Ag‐specific T cells. The trafficking of Ag‐specific T cells in EC was clearly visualized.