THE ROLE AND EXPRESSION OF CD27 AND CD70 LYMPHOCYTES IN THE HUMAN TONSIL

Abstract

In this study, we investigated theexpression and function of CD27 and CD70in the human tonsil. We found that IgGproduction was significantly reduced after theadministration ofanti-CD27 and anti-CD70antibodies in the T cell dependent B cellactivation system, suggesting the involvementof CD271CD70 in the production of IgG. Inaddition, the amounts ofperipheral and tonsillarCD4+CD27+ cells were almost identical,whereas the expression of CD4+CD27- cellswas higher (4.9%) in tonsil than in peripheralblood (2.4%). Furthermore, anti-CD27antibody and anti-CD4 antibody-positive cellswere found mainly in the interfollicularregion, and a small number of this cellpopulation was observed in both germinalcenter (GC) and mantle. Double-stainingshowed that the germinal center was almostcompletely composed ofCD4+CD2r cells. Incontrast to CD27 cells, only a small numberof CD70+ cells were present in the follicles.Moreover, anti-CD19 antibody, a B cellmarker, was stained in the GC and mantlezone, and CD19+CD27+ cells were observed inthe GC close to the mantle. The above findingsfavor the involvement and role of CD271CD70in the T-B cell interaction by inducingIgG production and increasing memory cell(CD4+ CD27-) number in the tonsil.