Nonoverlapping expression of IL10, IL12p40, and IFN gamma mRNA in the marginal zone and T cell zone of the spleen after antigenic stimulation

作者：Kalies Kathrin^*; Koenig Peter; Zhang Yong Ming; Deierling Maria; Barthelmann Julia; Stamm Claudia; Westermann Juergen

来源：The Journal of Immunology, 2008, 180(8): 5457-5465.

The differentiation of CD4(+) T cells is regulated by cytokines locally within the compartments of secondary lymphoid organs during adaptive immune responses. Quantitative data about the expression of cytokine mRNAs within the T and B cell zones of lymphoid organs are lacking. In this study, we assessed the expression of multiple cytokine genes within the lymphoid compartments of the spleen of rats after two types of stimulation. First, the spleen was stimulated directly by a blood-derived Ag. Second, the spleen was stimulated indirectly by incoming lymphocytes that had been activated and released during a proceeding immune response at a distant tissue site. Using laser microdissection, we show that the expression of cytokine mRNAs was compartment specific, transient, and preceded cell proliferation after the direct antigenic stimulation. Surprisingly, the indirect stimulation by incoming activated lymphocytes induced similar cytokines in the T cell zone. However, the nonoverlapping expression was lost and IL10 appeared as the major cytokine in all compartments. Thus, tracking two types of immune activation without disturbing the integrity of structures reveals distinct and overlapping events in the compartments of the spleen. This information adds a new dimension to the understanding of immune responses in vivo.

• 出版日期2008-4-15
• 单位浙江大学