Isolation of Peyer’s Patch T Cell Subsets Involved in Isotype Specific Immunoregulation

Abstract

Antigenic stimulation of the gut-associated lymphoreticular tissue (GALT) in the mouse results in an immune response at mucosal sites distant from the gut which is dominated by antibody of the IgA isotype. The morphology of murine Peyer’s patch and the composition of the resident lymphoid and accessory cells is now well established. T and B lymphocytes are found in distinct zones beneath a specialized epithelial tissue. The B cell areas contain numerous IgA precursor B cells and within the T cell zone all T cell subsets are present (Lyt 1⁺/L3T4⁺, Lyt 2⁺ and T contra-suppressor cells). Contrary to earlier reports, Peyer’s patch cells prepared by enzymatic digestion also contain accessory cells, e.g., both macrophages and dendritic cells.