Immunocytochemical and immunoelectron microscopy study of dendritic cells in the caecal tonsils of chickens infected with Eimeria tenella

Isolation of chicken follicular dendritic cells

The aim of the present study was to isolate chicken follicular dendritic cells (FDC). A combination of methods involving panning, iodixanol density gradient centrifugation, and magnetic cell separation technology made it possible to obtain functional FDC from the cecal tonsils from chickens, which had been infected with Eimeria tenella. CD45- dendritic cells were selected using the specific monoclonal antibody against chicken CD45, which is a marker for chicken leukocytes, but is not expressed on chicken FDC. Isolated FDC were characterized morphologically, phenotypically and functionally. The phenotype of the selected cells was consistent with FDC in that they expressed IgG, IgM, complement factors C3 and B, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, but lacked cell surface markers characteristic of macrophages, T-, and B cells. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed their characteristic dendritic morphology. In addition, the identity of the FDC was further confirmed by their ability to trap chicken immune complexes (ICs) on their surface, whereas they did not trap naive antigen (ovalbumin) or ICs generated with mammalian immunoglobulins. Co-culturing allogeneic or autologous isolated FDC with B cells resulted in enhanced B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin production. The lack of MHC restriction, a functional characteristic feature of FDC, further reinforces the identity of the isolated cells as chicken FDC.

Immunohistochemical characterization of Kisselev nodules (ectopic lymphoid follicles) in wild boar (Sus scrofa L.)

This paper describes the histopathological features and cellular distribution of T lymphocytes (CD3), B cells (CD79), follicular dendritic cells (FDC) and macrophages (alpha-1-antitrypsin, lysozyme) in lymphoid aggregates (Kisselev nodules) found in the lung, kidney and liver of wild boar (Sus scrofa L.). The distribution of immunoreactive cells, tested for antibodies, was similar to that found in the cortex of lymph nodes: lymphoid follicles with germinal centers mainly consisting of CD79+ B cells with sparse interfollicular tissue (CD3+ T lymphocytes). This finding and the association of these structures with helminthic infections suggests that local humoral immunity is central to the organism's response to parasitic challenge. The presence of follicular dendritic cells confirms the high degree of organization of these lymphoid-like structures. The role of other pathogenic factors and the induction of chronic inflammatory reaction in these ectopic lymphoid sites is also discussed.

Neurotrophins and their receptors in the pigeon caecal tonsil. An immunohistochemical study

Neurotrophins are growth factors which bind to signal-transducing receptors called Trk proteins. The neurotrophins and their receptor proteins are present in the mammalian and avian lymphoid organs, thus suggesting that these factors could act upon cells of the immune system. Nevertheless, little is known about the cellular distribution of neurotrophins and their receptor proteins in avian lymphoid tissues. In this study we use immunohistochemistry to detect the cellular localisation of neurotrophins and their receptor proteins in the pigeon caecal tonsil, used as a model for avian secondary lymphoid organs. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies against neurotrophins (nerve growth factor -NGF-, brain-derived neurotrophic factor -BDNF- and neurotrophin -3 NT-3-) and against specific epitopes of TrkA, TrkB and TrkC proteins were used. Cytokeratins, vimentin, S-100 protein and chromogranin A were studied in parallel to identify cells which seemed to express neurotrophins and Trk proteins. TrkA-like protein was seen in the intestinal epithelium, whereas TrkB-like and TrkC-like proteins was found in cells which we identified as dendritic cells and macrophages. BDNF-like and NT-3-like reactivity was localised in intestinal epithelial cells, especially endocrine cells. Present results add further evidence to the presumptive immune role of neurotrophins and their receptors and the possible functions of these peptides in the caecal tonsil are discussed.

Identification of avian dendritic cells in the spleen using a monoclonal antibody specific for chicken follicular dendritic cells

BACKGROUND

In the chicken, circulating antigens enter the splenic white pulp via the Schweigger-Seidel sheaths (ellipsoids), where they are bound by cells, the ellipsoid associated cells (EAC), which are located on the periphery of the ellipsoid. There is an increasing body of evidence that these antigen-binding cells move through the PALS, to be finally located within the germinal centers, where these antigen-transporting EAC function as follicular dendritic cells (FDC). The aim of the current study was to further study the relationship between the EAC, the FDC, and the antigen-bearing EAC which migrate through the splenic white pulp.

METHODS

In order to identify the splenic FDC and their presumed migrating EAC precursors in the chicken, we used a monoclonal antibody produced against chicken FDC and an antiserum anti-S-100 protein which identifies chicken dendritic cells in lymphoid organs.

RESULTS

Cells reacting with the 74.3 monoclonal antibody, which identifies FDC, were found within the germinal center, around the penicilliform capillary, in the periellipsoidal white pulp, and in the periarteriolar lymphatic sheaths (PALS). S-100+ cells were found in these same locations.

CONCLUSIONS

A comparison between the staining patterns obtained with both antibodies strongly suggested that the intrasplenic distribution of 74.3+ cells was identical with that of FDC, EAC, and antigen-binding EAC migrating in the PALS. Therefore, the 74.3 monoclonal antibody identified not only FDC but also the splenic precursor cells of FDC, in accordance with the hypothesis of the migration of the EAC through the white pulp. S-100+ cells were more numerous than 74.3+ cells, which is in accordance with the fact that S-100 protein antibody stains both FDC and interdigitating dendritic cells (ID). This has allowed us to suggest that 74.3- EAC may represent precursors of ID. The current findings reinforce previous investigations, which provided evidence supporting the migration of EAC through the PALS and further supported the hypothesis which considers EAC precursors of FDC.

Distribution of bursal secretory dendritic cells in the chicken

BACKGROUND

The bursa of Fabricius provided the microenvironment for B-cell differentiation. Continuous contact between lymphoid cells and antigen in the bursa further suggested that antigenic material has an important influence on the maintenance and development of B cells in the bursa. In addition, a dendritic cell, the bursal secretory dendritic cell (BSDC), has been identified in the medulla. The hypothesis that, in the bursal follicles, the contact between the lymphoid cells and the antigen may be mediated by dendritic cells prompted us to identify a bursal dendritic cell that becomes activated after contact with the antigen.

METHODS

A polyclonal antiserum to S-100 protein was used to identify bursal dendritic cells because S-100 protein, a calcium-binding protein, has been shown to be a marker for the identification of chicken dendritic cells following recent contact with antigen.

RESULTS

At every age investigated, S-100-positive cells showed a location and shape identical to those described for BSDCs. Positive cells were found within and under the follicle-associated epithelial cells (FAE), indicating that these cells were strategically placed where they would encounter the antigen. In addition, positive cells were found arranged along the corticomedullary junction, which is a regenerative zone for the BSDC. After 10 weeks of age, the number of positive cells dramatically decreased, suggesting that the endocytic activity of the FAE may become impaired as the bursa regresses.

CONCLUSIONS

The polyclonal antiserum to S-100 protein identified the BSDCs in the bursal follicles. Positive cells may be BSDCs that have undergone a functional activation after contact with the antigen. These cells may have a role as antigen-presenting cells in the bursal follicles. Hence, these cells may be involved in the events that lead to B-cell differentiation.

Ultrastructural identification of the splenic follicular dendritic cells in the chicken

BACKGROUND

There is a need to identify the follicular dendritic cells (FDC) of the chicken spleen at the ultrastructural level during a secondary immune response.

METHODS

The cells were identified after intravenous priming BSA and boosting with biotinylated BSA conjugated to colloidal gold particles. Monoclonal antibodies raised specifically either to chicken IgG or IgM were used to characterize these immune complex-trapping cells.

RESULTS

The FDC had an irregular morphology which varied through time, supporting the existence of two types of FDC in the chicken spleen, one showing filiform cell processes, the other provided with beaded dendrites. When the filiform dendrites were observed, the FDC bound the antigen on their surfaces. These dendrites showed an intrincate convoluted configuration, forming tightly wrapped networks near the cell body. The networks had the same features as those described in mammals as antigen retaining reticulum (ARR). In chickens, the ARR, which represents sites of antigen localization on FDC, reached maximum development on day 5 after the second injection of BSA and had disappeared by day 8. At this time FDC had beaded dendrites.

CONCLUSIONS

Antigen is retained on FDC in the chicken spleen for long periods of time.

Localization of splenic cells with antigen-transporting capability in the chicken

BACKGROUND

The objective of the present study is to investigate the migration pattern of the splenic dendritic cell of the chicken named the ellipsoid-associated cell (EAC) from the site of initial location at the periphery of the ellipsoid to the splenic T- and B-dependent areas.

METHODS

Bovine serum albumin bound to biotin and conjugated to gold particles was used as a histochemically identifiable antigen detected as a peroxidase reaction. The antigen was intravenously injected, and subsequently its pattern of distribution in a time sequence and within the tissue was examined at the light and electron microscopy levels. In addition, an hour prior to sacrifice, the chickens received a single injection of the thymidine analogue 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine, in order to quantify the number of DNA synthesizing cells and to establish a relationship between the migrating EAC and the rate of mitosis in the white pulp.

RESULTS

The observations showed that between 12 hours and 3 days after the second antigen administration the labeled EAC, which was first located around the ellipsoid, progressively reached further areas with time towards the periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths, where newly formed germinal centers appeared. Furthermore, the rate of cell proliferation within the white pulp was associated with the arrival of the antigen-transporting EAC.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that migrating EAC have a role as both antigen-transporting cell and antigen-presenting cell in the T- and B-dependent areas, as a result of which migrating EAC is transiently found in periellipsoidal white pulp, then periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths, and finally germinal centers, where it may function as an interdigitating cell or as a follicular dendritic cell, depending on its location. Thus, we conclude that the EACs are precursors of both interdigitating and follicular dendritic cells.