NKG2A and CD56 are coexpressed on activated TH2 but not TH1 lymphocytes.

ABSTRACT: NKG2A is commonly expressed on cytotoxic cells but has been found on activated T helper (TH) cells. In identifying novel markers differentiating between TH1 and TH2 lymphocytes, we focused on NKG2A expression. TH1 and TH2 cells were negatively isolated from healthy volunteers for microarray analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Flow cytometry of quiescent and activated TH1 and TH2 cells was performed. Isolates were >95% pure CD3+CD4+ cells (TH1=90.3% and TH2=84.1%). Microarrays revealed differential expression of NKG2A and NKG2C isoforms between TH1 and TH2 cells. RT-PCR indicated greater expression of NKG2A in TH2 cells (4-fold) and NKG2C in TH1 cells (3-fold). Flow studies revealed tripling of TH2 NKG2A with activation to 10.76+/-4.01% (p=0.05), a 23-fold

SUBMITTER: Freishtat RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1851905 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature