Immune Amplification of CD8+ Suppressor T Cells Induced via An Immune-Privileged Site: Quantifying Suppressor T Cells Functionally
2011

Amplifying CD8+ Suppressor T Cells in Mice

Sample size: 12 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sharafieh Roshanak, Lemire Yen Powell, Sabrina O'Rourke, James Cone, Robert E.

Primary Institution: University of Connecticut Health Center

Hypothesis

The number and/or activity of CD8+ suppressor T cells should be influenced by an immune response to the antigen.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that immunization amplifies the numbers of antigen-specific splenic CD8+ suppressor T cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • The number of AC-SPL cells required for a 50% reduction in swelling is reduced by injecting a cell population enriched for CD8+ AC-SPL cells.
  • Immunizing the mice receiving intracameral antigen to the same antigen decreases the RSw50 of AC-SPL cells required to inhibit the expression of DTH.
  • The suppression of DTH is proportional to the number of AC-SPL cells injected.

Takeaway

When mice are given a specific antigen, their immune system makes special cells that help control other immune responses, and this study shows how those cells can be increased.

Methodology

Mice were immunized with an antigen injected into the anterior chamber of the eye, and spleen cells were analyzed for their ability to suppress delayed-type hypersensitivity.

Limitations

The suppressive activity of the CD8+ T cells was transient and only effective for a limited time after injection.

Participant Demographics

Female or male BALB/c or C57Bl/6 mice, 8–10 weeks old.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022496

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication