Kinetics of T lymphocyte subsets and B lymphocytes in response to immunostimulants in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus): implications for CD4+ T lymphocyte differentiation

Sci Rep. 2020 Aug 14;10(1):13827. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-69542-6.

Abstract

CD4+ T lymphocytes play crucial roles in the adaptive immune system. CD4, as the most effective marker to delineate the T-helper subsets, was identified in many fish species. Two CD4 homologs, CD4-1 and CD4-2, have been reported in flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). In this study, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against CD4-1 and CD4-2 of flounder were produced, CD4+ T lymphocytes were isolated and identified, and the variations in CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and IgM+ B lymphocytes after Poly I:C, PMA or β-glucan stimulation were investigated. Then, the expression of transcription factors and cytokines in sorted CD4+ T lymphocytes was analyzed. The results showed that the mAbs were specific to flounder CD4-1+ and CD4-2+ T cells. CD4-1+ and CD4-2+ cells responded to all three stimulants, while CD8+ T lymphocytes only give a strong response to Poly I:C, and the percentages of IgM+ B lymphocytes showed a tendency to increase. After stimulation, the expression of transcription factors and cytokines of Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells varied in CD4+ T cells. These results will provide crucial foundations for the differentiation and function of teleost CD4+ T lymphocytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Flounder / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology
  • Poly I-C / immunology
  • Th1 Cells
  • Th17 Cells
  • Th2 Cells
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • beta-Glucans / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Transcription Factors
  • beta-Glucans
  • Poly I-C