CD1d-restricted NKT cells: an interstrain comparison

J Immunol. 2001 Aug 1;167(3):1164-73. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.167.3.1164.

Abstract

CD1d-restricted Valpha14-Jalpha281 invariant alphabetaTCR(+) (NKT) cells are well defined in the C57BL/6 mouse strain, but they remain poorly characterized in non-NK1.1-expressing strains. Surrogate markers for NKT cells such as alphabetaTCR(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) and DX5(+)CD3(+) have been used in many studies, although their effectiveness in defining this lineage remains to be verified. Here, we compare NKT cells among C57BL/6, NK1.1-congenic BALB/c, and NK1.1-congenic nonobese diabetic mice. NKT cells were identified and compared using a range of approaches: NK1.1 expression, surrogate phenotypes used in previous studies, labeling with CD1d/alpha-galactosylceramide tetramers, and cytokine production. Our results demonstrate that NKT cells and their CD4/CD8-defined subsets are present in all three strains, and confirm that nonobese diabetic mice have a numerical and functional deficiency in these cells. We also highlight the hazards of using surrogate phenotypes, none of which accurately identify NKT cells, and one in particular (DX5(+)CD3(+)) actually excludes these cells. Finally, our results support the concept that NK1.1 expression may not be an ideal marker for CD1d-restricted NKT cells, many of which are NK1.1-negative, especially within the CD4(+) subset and particularly in NK1.1-congenic BALB/c mice.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, CD / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, CD1 / biosynthesis
  • Antigens, CD1 / genetics*
  • Antigens, CD1 / metabolism
  • Antigens, CD1d
  • Antigens, Ly*
  • Antigens, Surface
  • Binding Sites / immunology
  • CD24 Antigen
  • CD3 Complex / biosynthesis
  • CD8 Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Carrier Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Galactosylceramides / metabolism
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Killer Cells, Natural / cytology
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
  • L-Selectin / biosynthesis
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Membrane Glycoproteins*
  • Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Mice
  • Mice, Congenic
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B
  • Organ Specificity / genetics
  • Organ Specificity / immunology
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • Proteins*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / biosynthesis
  • Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like
  • Species Specificity*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, CD1
  • Antigens, CD1d
  • Antigens, Ly
  • Antigens, Surface
  • CD24 Antigen
  • CD3 Complex
  • CD8 Antigens
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cd24a protein, mouse
  • Cytokines
  • Galactosylceramides
  • Klrb1c protein, mouse
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B
  • Proteins
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • Receptors, NK Cell Lectin-Like
  • L-Selectin