Establishment of a vascular endothelial cell-reactive type II NKT cell clone from a rat model of autoimmune vasculitis

摘要: We previously generated a rat model that spontaneously developed small vessel vasculitis (SVV). In this study, T cell clone reactive with vascular endothelial cells (REC) was established and named VASC-1. Intravenous injection of VASC-1 induced SVV in normal recipients. TCRαβ/CD3-positive CD4/CD8 double-negative expression NKG2D. The cytokine mRNA profile under unstimulated condition positive for IL-4 IFN-γ but negative IL-2 IL-10. After interaction REC, the IL-2, IL-5 IL-6 VASC-1, which inhibited by blocking CD1d on REC surface. Although protein levels these cytokines seemed to be lower than detection limit culture medium, detectable. production from stimulated LPS-pre-treated blockade REC. These findings indicated as an NKT clone. pool includes two major subsets, namely types I II. Type are characterized semi-invariant TCRs potential bind marine sponge-derived α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) loaded CD1d; whereas, type II do not manifest characteristics. exhibited usage TCR other invariant α chain did α-GalCer-loaded therefore, it determined collective evidence suggested REC-reactive could involved pathogenesis rats.