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Analysis of the CD4 Protein on Human Vaginal T Lymphocytes
Author(s) -
FIDEL PAUL L.,
WORMLEY JR. FLOYD L.,
CHAIBAN JOSEPH,
LOUNEV VITALI,
FIDEL PAUL L.,
CHESSON RALPH R.
Publication year - 2001
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/j.8755-8920.2001.450402.x
Subject(s) - flow cytometry , vagina , biology , t lymphocyte , immunology , phenotype , immune system , immunity , gene , genetics
PROBLEM: Although T lymphocytes at the human vaginal mucosa have been partially characterized, there remains a paucity of information regarding cell‐mediated immune mechanisms at this mucosal site. In mice and humans, there are several phenotypic distinctions between vaginal T lymphocytes and those in the peripheral circulation. Recently, we observed as well that the N‐terminus of the CD4 protein on murine vaginal T lymphocytes is atypically expressed compared to its systemic counterpart, and that the atypical expression extends to the mRNA level.
METHOD OF STUDY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the CD4 protein on human vaginal T lymphocytes by flow cytometry and RT‐PCR.
RESULTS: Results showed that, in contrast to mice, the CD4 protein on human vaginal and peripheral blood T lymphocytes are similar at both the molecular and protein levels.
CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that based on several differences between human and mouse vaginal T cells, caution is urged when using mice as a model to study human vaginal immunity.