How Myelin-Phagocytosing Macrophages Affect T Cell Growth
Author Information
Author(s): Bogie Jeroen FJ, Stinissen Piet, Hellings Niels, Hendriks Jerome JA
Primary Institution: Hasselt University/Transnational University Limburg, School of Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute, Diepenbeek, Belgium
Hypothesis
Do myelin-phagocytosing macrophages influence lymphocyte proliferation?
Conclusion
Myelin phagocytosis alters macrophage function, inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation through increased nitric oxide production.
Supporting Evidence
- Myelin-phagocytosing macrophages inhibit TCR-triggered lymphocyte proliferation in an antigen-independent manner.
- The immune suppression is mediated by increased nitric oxide production.
- Myelin delivery to CD169+ macrophages reduces cognate antigen specific proliferation.
- MBP-immunized animals showed increased proliferation after stimulation with their cognate antigen.
Takeaway
Some immune cells that eat myelin can either help or hurt the immune response, depending on the situation.
Methodology
The study used rat peritoneal macrophages loaded with myelin and cocultured them with lymphocytes to assess proliferation and nitric oxide production.
Participant Demographics
Female Lewis rats, 6-8 weeks of age.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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