CD8 super(+) T Cells Have an Essential Role in Pulmonary Clearance of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae following Mucosal Immunization

• Published in: Infection and immunity Vol. 69; no. 4; pp. 2636 - 2642
• Main Authors: Foxwell, A R, Kyd, J M, Karupiah, G, Cripps, A W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.04.2001
• Subjects: CD8 antigen; Haemophilus influenzae
• ISSN: 0019-9567
• DOI: 10.1128/IAI.69.4.2636-2642.2001

A rodent respiratory experimental model has proved useful for investigating the immune mechanisms responsible for clearance of bacteria from the lungs. Immunohistochemical studies in immune and nonimmune rats have identified the cellular kinetics of response to bacterial pulmonary infection for CD8 super(+), CD4 super(+), and gamma Delta super(+) T cells; B cells; and the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II). During the course of bacterial clearance, there was no apparent proliferation or extravasation of lymphocytes, nor was there increased expression of MHC-II in nonimmune animals despite an influx of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, whereas in immunized animals there was an early influx of CD8 super(+) and gamma Delta super(+) T cells, followed by enhanced expression of the MHC-II marker, cellular infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and finally an increased number of CD4 super(+) T cells. Depletion of CD8 super(+) T cells confirmed their vital contribution in the preprimed immune response to pulmonary infection by significantly decreasing the animals' ability to clear bacteria following challenge.