LYMPHOCYTE-T SUBSETS IN HUMAN INTESTINAL-MUCOSA - THE DISTRIBUTION AND RELATIONSHIP TO MHC-DERIVED ANTIGENS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 44  (3) , 453-458
Abstract
T lymphocytes in the normal human intestinal tract were analyzed in tissue sections by a double-marker immunofluorescence technique, combining antiserum to T lymphocyte antigen (HuTLA) with a monoclonal antibody detecting T cells of suppressor-cytotoxic phenotype (OKT8). The distribution of HLA-A, -B, -C and Ia-like antigens in intestinal mucosa was also examined by a similar method. In small and large intestine 67-90% (mean 70%) of intraepithelial T lymphocytes were of suppressor-cytotoxic phenotype (OKT8+). Only 27-56% (mean 39%) of lamina propria T cells were OKT8+. Intestinal epithelial cells demonstrated strong membrane staining for HLA-A, -B, -C antigens. Ia-like antigens were detected on the epithelial cells of small intestinal villi, but not on colonic epithelial cells. Lamina propria macrophages expressed both HLA-A, -B, -C and Ia-like antigens, the latter having strong membrane and cytoplasmic fluorescence. The distribution of T cells with suppressor-cytotoxic or inducer phenotype in the intestinal epithelium and lamina propria may be related to the differential expression of Ia-like and HLA-A, -B, -C antigens in intestinal mucosa.