Induction of Blood Brain Barrier Tight Junction Protein Alterations by CD8 T Cells
2008

CD8 T Cells and Blood Brain Barrier Disruption

Sample size: 12 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Suidan Georgette L., Mcdole Jeremiah R., Chen Yi, Pirko Istvan, Johnson Aaron J.

Primary Institution: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Hypothesis

The study aims to determine the role of CD8 T cells in blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption during immune-mediated neurological disorders.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that CD8 T cells can initiate blood-brain barrier tight junction disruption through a non-apoptotic mechanism dependent on perforin.

Supporting Evidence

  • CD8 T cells were shown to initiate astrocyte activation and alteration of BBB tight junction proteins.
  • Perforin deficient mice were resistant to CNS vascular permeability.
  • Astrocyte activation and tight junction alterations occurred prior to peak vascular permeability.

Takeaway

This study shows that certain immune cells called CD8 T cells can make the blood-brain barrier leak, which can be harmful to the brain.

Methodology

The study used a murine model of CD8 T cell mediated CNS vascular permeability, employing techniques such as MRI, FITC-albumin leakage assays, and flow cytometry.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on a specific mouse model, which may not fully represent human conditions.

Participant Demographics

C57BL/6, C57BL/6 Prf1−/−, and C57BL/6 FasL−/− mice were used in the study.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003037

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