Identification and characterization of an M cell marker in nasopharynx- and oropharynx-associated lymphoid tissue of sheep

Publication date: Available online 18 December 2018Source: Veterinary Immunology and ImmunopathologyAuthor(s): Vijay Kumar Saxena, Alejandra Diaz, Jean-Pierre Y. ScheerlinckAbstractM cells play a pivotal role in the induction of immune responses within the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues. M cells exist principally in the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) of the isolated solitary lymphoid follicles as well as in the lymphoid follicles of nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue and gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Through lymphatic cannulation it is possible to investigate local immune responses induced following nasal Ag delivery in sheep. Hence, identifying sheep M cell markers would allow the targeting of M cells to offset the problem of trans-epithelial Ag delivery associated with inducing mucosal immunity. Sheep cDNA from the tonsils of the oropharynx and nasopharynx was PCR amplified using Glycoprotein-2 (GP2)-specific primers and expressed as a poly-His-tagged recombinant sheep GP2 (56 kDa) in HEK293 cells. The recombinant GP2 protein was purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and polyclonal serum against the protein was raised in rats. The antiserum recognized the recombinant sheep GP2 and purified rat IgG against GP2 stained M cells in sections of sheep tonsils from nasopharynx and oropharynx. M cells were found to be present in epithelium of the palatine tonsils (oropharynx), pharyngeal tonsils as well as tubal tonsils (nasopharynx). They were also...
Source: Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research