Hensel N, Melenhorst JJ, Bradstock K, Schwarer AP, Eniafe R, Nakamura R, Barrett AJ. Flow cytometric quantitation and characterization of the T-lymphocyte memory response to CMV in healthy donors.
Cytotherapy 2002;
4:29-40. [PMID:
11953039 DOI:
10.1080/146532402317251509]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Levels of circulating CMV Ag-specific lymphocytes determine CMV reactivation risk in immunocompromised individuals.
METHODS
Frequencies of T cells producing cytokines after stimulation by CMV Ag were measured in hematopoietic stem-cell donors using flow cytometry.
RESULTS
In seropositive individuals (n = 75) the mean number of CD8(+) (CD8(bright), CD8(dim)) and CD4(+) cells producing IFN-gamma was respectively 3.1% (12.6/microL) and 0.38% (3.2/microL), over 10-fold higher than in seronegative subjects (n = 22). CMV stimulation induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in both CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells (usually together), with a shift from memory- to effector-cell phenotype, while only a small proportion of CD4(+) cells produced IL-4. Although the normal range was wide, neither age, sex nor HLA type affected the frequency.
DISCUSSION
These quantitative studies and the recognition of CD4(+) cells as potential effectors of CMV immunity are of relevance for immunotherapeutic approaches to prevent CMV disease after stem-cell transplantation.
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