Localization Of Nk1.1(+) Invariant V Alpha 19 Tcr+ Cells In The Liver With Potential To Promptly Respond To Tcr Stimulation

Previously, we found that more than a half of the NK1.1(+) T cell lines prepared from CD1(-/-) livers expressed invariant V alpha 19-J alpha 33 TCR alpha chains. Over-expression of the invariant V alpha 19-J alpha 33 TCR alpha transgene (Tg) with a natural TCR alpha promoter and an enhancer in mice induced the development of NK1.1(+) T cells (V alpha 19 NKT cells) in the lymphoid organs, especially in the liver. Preferential usage of the V alpha 19 Tg by NKT cells in the transgenic mouse livers was indirectly indicated by the observation that few NK1.1(+) TCR alpha beta(+) cells of the V alpha 19Tg livers were stained with a cocktail of anti-TCR V alpha antibodies in the FACS analysis. Upon invariant TCR engagement in vivo following injection of mice with anti-CD3 antibody, NKT cells of the Tg mouse livers as well as spleens promptly produced immunoregulatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IFN-gamma and altered surface receptor expression. Collectively, localization of V alpha 19 NKT cells in the liver is suggested that are ready to immediately response against antigen stimulation. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.