Detection of Antigen-Specific CD4 super(+) T Cells by HLA-DR1 Oligomers IS Dependent on the T Cell Activation State

Class I MHC tetramers have proven to be invaluable tools for following and deciphering the CD8 super(+) T cell response, but the development of similar reagents for detection of CD4 super(+) T cells based on class II MHC proteins has been more difficult. We evaluated fluorescent streptavidin-based o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of immunology (1950) 2001-01, Vol.166 (2), p.741-745
Main Authors: Cameron, TO, Cochran, J R, Yassine-Diab, B, Sekaly, R-P, Stern, L J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
CD4 antigen
histocompatibility antigen HLA
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Summary:Class I MHC tetramers have proven to be invaluable tools for following and deciphering the CD8 super(+) T cell response, but the development of similar reagents for detection of CD4 super(+) T cells based on class II MHC proteins has been more difficult. We evaluated fluorescent streptavidin-based oligomers of HLA-DR1 for use as reagents to analyze Ag-specific human CD4 super(+) T cells. Staining was blocked at low temperatures and by drugs that disrupt microfilament formation and endocytosis. Cell-associated MHC oligomers were resistant to a surface stripping protocol and were observed by microscopy in intracellular compartments. This behavior indicates that detection of CD4 super(+) T cells using class II MHC oligomers can depend on an active cellular process in which T cells cluster and/or endocytose their Ag receptors. T cells of identical specificity but in different activation states varied greatly in their ability to be detected by class II MHC oligomers.
ISSN:0022-1767