The different influence of SEA on the differentiation and proliferation of Tc1 and Tc2 subsets
Objective To examine the influence of the superantigen Staphylococcus enterotoxin A (SEA) on the differentiation and proliferation of Tc1 and Tc2 cell line. Methods The PBMCs were stimulated by SEA, and the ratio of Tc1/Tc2 in PBMC stimulated with or without SEA or not were compared by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis. CD8 +T cells were purified and inducd to Tc1 or Tc2 subsets and the discrepancy between the extent of Tc1 or Tc2 proliferation were tested by 3H-TdR incorporation. The expression of CD25 on Tc1 or Tc2 cell line were determined by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis. Results Stimulated by SEA, Tc0 or T H0 in PBMC proliferated and polarized to typeⅠor Ⅱ T cell, and the percentage of Tc2/T H2 was higher than that of Tc1/T H1. SEA could efficiently promote Tc2 cell proliferation in vitro and the expression level of CD25 on Tc2 was higher than that on Tc1 cells. Conclusion SEA preferentially induced the differentiation of Tc2/T H2 and could efficiently promote Tc2 cell proliferation in vitro .