CD27 expression discriminates porcine T helper cells with functionally distinct properties

Differentiation of porcine T helper cells is still poorly investigated, partly due to a lack of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for molecules involved in this process. Recently, we identified a mAb specific for porcine CD27 and showed that CD27 is expressed by all naïve CD8α^- T helper cells but divides CD8α⁺ T helper cells into a CD27⁺ and a CD27^- subset. In the present study, detailed phenotypical and functional analyses of these T-helper cell subpopulations were performed. Naïve CD8α^-CD27⁺ T helper cells predominantly resided in various lymph nodes, whereas higher proportions of CD8α⁺CD27⁺ and CD8α⁺CD27^- T helper cells were found in blood, spleen and liver. Both CD8α⁺CD27⁺ and CD8α⁺CD27^- T helper cells were capable of producing IFN-γ upon in vitro polyclonal stimulation and antigen-specific restimulation. Experiments with sorted CD8α^-CD27⁺, CD8α⁺CD27⁺ and CD8α⁺CD27^- T-helper cell subsets following polyclonal stimulation revealed the lowest proliferative response but the highest ability for IFN-γ and TNF-α production in the CD8α⁺CD27^- subset. Therefore, these cells resembled terminally differentiated effector memory cells as described in human. This was supported by analyses of CCR7 and CD62L expression. CD8α⁺CD27^- T helper cells were mostly CCR7^- and had considerably reduced CD62L mRNA levels. In contrast, expression of both homing-receptors was increased on CD8α⁺CD27⁺ T helper cells, which also had a proliferation rate similar to naïve CD8α^-CD27⁺ T helper cells and showed intermediate levels of cytokine production. Therefore, similar to human, CD8α⁺CD27⁺ T helper cells displayed a phenotype and functional properties of central memory cells.     

Changes in the population of lymphocytes expressing CD4 and CD8 during the process of atresia of white follicles in hens

The aim of this study was to determine whether the population of lymphocytes expressing CD4 and CD8 molecules changed in the white follicles during atresia in chickens. Frozen sections of healthy, early atretic, advanced atretic and late atretic follicles were immunostained for CD4 and CD8, and the populations of positive cells were analyzed under a light microscope. In the healthy, early atretic and advanced atretic follicles both CD4+ and CD8+ cells were localized in the theca layer, but not in the granulosa layer. However, an influx of CD4+ and CD8+ cells was observed not only in the theca but also in the follicular cavity that was formed by disintegration of the oocyte in late atretic follicles. The frequency of CD4+ T cells in the theca layer did not differ among healthy, early atretic and advanced atretic follicles, but was significantly increased in the late atretic follicles (P < 0.05). The frequency of CD8+ cells showed a pattern of change that resembled that of CD4+ T cells, with a significantly greater population in late atretic follicles than the other follicles (P < 0.05). These results suggest that CD4+ and CD8+ cells are increased in the late atretic follicles, probably to promote the tissue regression.     

健康中国恒河猴各淋巴组织中T淋巴细胞表型及分布

试验旨在明确T淋巴细胞在中国恒河猴各组织中的表型与分布,为疾病模型研究提供基础数据。取外周血、腹股沟淋巴结、肠系膜淋巴结及肠道组织,从中分离出淋巴细胞。使用流式细胞术检测分析各种表型的淋巴细胞在组织间的分布。结果表明,淋巴结中CD4⁺ /CD8⁺ T细胞比值高于外周血,肠道固有层中最低,三者差异显著。记忆性T细胞在外周血和肠道固有层T细胞中比重较大,而淋巴结中主要为幼稚T细胞。CD4⁺ T细胞中中心记忆T细胞Tcm为主要亚群,而CD8⁺ T细胞主要为效应记忆细胞Tem。外周血与肠道固有层中增殖T细胞比例相当,而淋巴结中T细胞增殖水平相对较低。各组织中CXCR4受体表达量普遍高于CCR5受体,其中肠道固有层CCR5受体表达水平最高。值得注意的是,有一小群表型CD3⁺ CD4⁺ CD8low的细胞仅在肠道固有层中存在,经分析其功能活性应高于肠道CD4单阳性T细胞。因此,测定了健康中国恒河猴各表型T淋巴细胞在多种淋巴组织中的基础数值,为相关模型研究奠定基础。     

Comparison of cytokine mRNA expression in peripheral CD4+, CD8+ and γδ T cells between healthy Holstein and Japanese Black calves

Japanese Black (JB) calves are more susceptible to infectious diseases compared to Holstein (Hol) calves. To clarify the immunological differences between JB and Hol calves, expression of cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA) was examined using peripheral CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and γδ T cells. Healthy calves, 24 from each species, were examined. Blood samples were obtained from calves at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months old, eight calves for each age of each species. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with phytohemagglutin (PHA), and T cell subsets were isolated by positive selection using magnetic cell sorting (MACS). Levels of interlekin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐10 and interferon (IFN)‐γ mRNA in three T cell subsets were analyzed. WC1‐N1⁺ γδ T cell percentages were significantly lower in JB calves at 1 week and 1 month of age compared to Hol calves. In addition JB calves had significantly lower IL‐2, IL‐10 and IFN‐γ mRNA in WC1‐N1⁺ γδ T cells at 1 and 3 months of age, whereas there were no significant differences in cytokine mRNA of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cells between the two groups. Decreased cytokine mRNA and cell number of peripheral γδ T cells may affect negatively on the immune system of JB calves.     

An engineered anti-idiotypic antibody-derived killer peptide (KP) early activates swine inflammatory monocytes,CD3+CD16+ natural killer T cells and CD4+CD8α+ double positive CD8β+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes associated with TNF-α and IFN-γ secretion

This study evaluated the early modulation of the phenotype and cytokine secretion in swine immune cells treated with an engineered killer peptide (KP) based on an anti-idiotypic antibody functionally mimicking a yeast killer toxin. The influence of KP on specific immunity was investigated using porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) as ex vivo antigens. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy pigs were stimulated with KP and with a scramble peptide for 20 min, 1, 4 and 20 h or kept unstimulated. The cells were analyzed using flow cytometry and ELISA. The same time-periods were used for KP pre-incubation/co-incubation to determine the effect on virus-recalled interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secreting cell (SC) frequencies and single cell IFN-γ productivity using ELISPOT.KP induced an early dose-dependent shift to pro-inflammatory CD172α⁺CD14^+high monocytes and an increase of CD3⁺CD16⁺ natural killer (NK) T cells. KP triggered CD8α and CD8β expression on classical CD4⁻CD8αβ⁺ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and double positive (DP) CD4⁺CD8α⁺ Th memory cells (CD4⁺CD8α^+low CD8β^+low). A fraction of DP cells also expressed high levels of CD8α. The two identified DP CD4⁺CD8α^+high CD8β^+low/+high CTL subsets were associated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and IFN-γ secretion. KP markedly boosted the reactivity and cross-reactivity of PRRSV type-1- and PCV2b-specific IFN-γ SC. The results indicate the efficacy of KP in stimulating Th1-biased immunomodulation and support studies of KP as an immunomodulator or vaccine adjuvant.     

Effect of dexamethasone and meloxicam on counts of selected T lymphocyte subpopulations and NK cells in cattle – In vivo investigations

The purpose of these investigations has been to assess the in vivo effect of dexamethasone (DEX) and meloxicam (MEL) on percentages and absolute counts of cells within selected T lymphocyte subsets and NK cells in cattle. DEX application caused substantial loss of NK, CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and WC1⁺ T cells, but the drug’s influence on T-cell count was selective, that is it varied according to the presence and intensity of CD25 expression. Reduced counts of T lymphocytes were due to the depletion of CD25⁻CD4⁺, CD25⁻CD8⁺ and CD25⁻WC1⁺ T cells. The loss of CD25⁻CD8⁺ and CD25⁻WC1⁺ T cells was a deep and lasting disorder, whereas the depletion of CD25⁻CD4⁺ T cells was manifested less strongly and regressed promptly. The administration of DEX did not affect absolute counts of CD25^lowCD4⁺ and CD25^lowCD8⁺ T cells, but induced an increase in percentages and absolute counts of CD25^highCD4⁺, CD25^highCD8⁺, CD25^lowWC1⁺ and CD25^highWC1⁺ T cells. In respect of the effect on counts of CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and WC1⁺ T cells, MEL proved to be a safe medication, because it did not alter counts of these lymphocytes. The administration of MEL led to an increase in the absolute count of NK cells, but the effect did not appear quickly and its development required time.     

Characterization of age-related changes in bovine CD8+ T-cells

Evaluation of the changes induced by immunological interventions requires a baseline against which to compare those changes. The age-related changes in the CD8(+) T-cell population of cattle were studied. The results indicate that CD8(+) T-cells could be divided into γ/δ TCR1(+) and γ/δ TCR1(-) according to their expression of the γ/δ T-cell receptor. As a proportion, the CD8(+) γ/δ TCR1(+) population appears to increase with age. Within the CD8(+)γ/δ TCR1(-) a population of cells expressing a profile of surface molecules previously associated with effector memory T cells (CD45RO(+), CD62L(-), CD27(-), CD45RA(-) and CD28(-)) increases with age. Furthermore, a parallel increase with age in the proportion of CD8(+)CD45RO(+) T cells that express the cytotoxic granule protein perforin was observed. In peripheral tissues, namely lungs, it was found that the majority of CD8(+) T cells present expressed a phenotype indicative of previously primed T cells (high expression of CD45RO and perforin). In contrast, only a small population of memory CD8(+) T cells was present in lymphoid tissue where most of the CD8(+) T cells expressed a na?ve phenotype. In conclusion, in cattle, like in human, CD8(+) T cells that express a phenotype associated with antigen experience accumulate with age that may play a role in immunocompetence as the individual ages.     

Vaccination of calves with Mycobacteria bovis Bacilli Calmete Guerin (BCG) induced rapid increase in the proportion of peripheral blood γδ T cells

Changes in the proportion of peripheral blood T cell subsets after subcutaneous inoculation of cattle with Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) were studied. Calves were injected with approximately 8 × 10⁶ BCG bacillus and blood samples collected at weekly intervals for flow-cytometric analyses to determine the proportion of CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and γδ T cells. In addition, whole blood samples were stimulated in vitro with M. bovis purified protein derivative (PPD) and the secreted IFN-γ quantified by ELISA. Results showed cellular and cytokine changes which could be categorized into three phases. The first phase occurred within the first 2 weeks after vaccination involving an increase in proportion of WC1⁺ γδ T cells and a concomitant increase in the secretion of IFN-γ. These two responses peaked at 2 weeks and waned thereafter. The second phase involved an increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio as a result of an increase in the proportion of CD4⁺ T cells between 4 and 6 weeks. The third phase involved a decrease in the CD4/CD8 ratio due to an increase in the proportion of CD8⁺ T cells between 8 and 10 weeks. Surprisingly, the IFN-γ response was associated with changes in the γδ rather than the CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T cells, suggesting that this cytokine was secreted by γδ-T cells. These results are consistent with the reported ability of γδ T cells to act rapidly and bridging the innate and classically adaptive immune responses.     

Canine CD4(+)CD8(+) double positive T cells in peripheral blood have features of activated T cells

In dogs a CD4(+)CD8(+) double positive T cell subpopulation exists that has not been phenotypically defined yet. We demonstrate that canine CD4(+)CD8(+) T cells are mature CD1a(-) and TCRαβ(+) T cells. To analyse the activation potential of CD4(+)CD8(+) T cells, PBMC from dogs vaccinated against canine distemper virus (CDV) were re-stimulated with CDV. Upon antigen-specific stimulation, the CD4(+)CD8(+) T cell fraction increases and consists nearly exclusively of proliferated cells. Similarly, other features of activated effector/memory T cells such as up-regulation of CD25 and MHC-II as well as down-regulation of CD62L (L-selectin) were observed in CD4(+)CD8(+) T cells after stimulation. Canine CD4(+)CD8(+) T cells are less abundant, but more heterogeneous than porcine ones, comprising a small proportion expressing the β chain of CD8 in addition to the CD8α chain, like human CD4(+)CD8(+) T cells. In summary, this analysis provides the basis for functional characterisation of the in vivo relevance of CD4(+)CD8(+) T cells in T-cell mediated immunity.     

Horses with equine recurrent uveitis have an activated CD4+ T‐cell phenotype that can be modulated by mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is an immune‐mediated disease causing repeated or persistent inflammatory episodes which can lead to blindness. Currently, there is no cure for horses with this disease. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are effective at reducing immune cell activation in vitro in many species, making them a potential therapeutic option for ERU. The objectives of this study were to define the lymphocyte phenotype of horses with ERU and to determine how MSCs alter T‐cell phenotype in vitro. Whole blood was taken from 7 horses with ERU and 10 healthy horses and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated. The markers CD21, CD3, CD4, and CD8 were used to identify lymphocyte subsets while CD25, CD62L, Foxp3, IFNγ, and IL10 were used to identify T‐cell phenotype. Adipose‐derived MSCs were expanded, irradiated (to control proliferation), and incubated with CD4⁺ T‐cells from healthy horses, after which lymphocytes were collected and analyzed via flow cytometry. The percentages of T‐cells and B‐cells in horses with ERU were similar to normal horses. However, CD4⁺ T‐cells from horses with ERU expressed higher amounts of IFNγ indicating a pro‐inflammatory Th1 phenotype. When co‐incubated with MSCs, activated CD4⁺ T‐cells reduced expression of CD25, CD62L, Foxp3, and IFNγ. MSCs had a lesser ability to decrease activation when cell‐cell contact or prostaglandin signaling was blocked. MSCs continue to show promise as a treatment for ERU as they decreased the CD4⁺ T‐cell activation phenotype through a combination of cell‐cell contact and prostaglandin signaling.     

Effects of two commercial diets and technical feed treatment on stomach lesions and immune system of fattening pigs

The impact of technical feed treatment and diet on stomach lesions and traits of the local and systemic immune system were investigated in fattening pigs. Feeding groups differed in technical feed treatment (standard ground meal vs. finely ground and pelleted feed) and diet (soya bean meal vs. rapeseed meal/DDGS/soya beans). Pigs were fattened approximately 10 weeks by ad libitum feeding and slaughtered subsequently. Gastric alterations were assessed by a macroscopic scoring system [macroscopic stomach score (MSC) 0 =  normal to 4 =  severe lesions]. For immunological investigations, lymphocytes from blood and jejunal tissues were isolated. T‐cell phenotyping was carried out by staining intestinal lymphocytes with monoclonal antibodies for CD4 and CD8 and flow cytometric measurements. MSC was higher in animals fed finely ground and pelleted feed compared with their counterparts. Significant interactions between diet and feed treatment considering the MSC were observed (p = 0.027). There was no effect of diet or technical feed treatment on T cells of blood, Lymphonodi gastrici or lamina propria (LP) and intraepithelial cells. However, technical feed treatment significantly affected subsets of CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD8^low, CD4/CD8 double‐positive T cells, the mean fluorescence intensity of CD4⁺ T cells and the ratio of CD8^low/CD8^high T cells in Peyer's patches (PP). All named parameters were reduced in PP of animals fed finely ground and pelleted feed compared with animals fed standard ground meal. Furthermore, significant differences between T cells of lymph nodes and LP were observed between animals with middle MSC (MSC = 1–2.5) and animals with high MSC (MSC = 3–4). Significant alterations in T cells of PP were observed between animals of low (MSC = 0–0.5) and high MSC. The observed effects provide the evidence that the impact of technical feed treatment is not limited on the stomach lesions. Possible stimuli and consequences of the immune system should be studied in more detail.     

Magnitude and kinetics of multifunctional CD4+ and CD8β+ T cells in pigs infected with swine influenza A virus

Although swine are natural hosts for influenza A viruses, the porcine T-cell response to swine influenza A virus (FLUAVsw) infection has been poorly characterized so far. We have studied Ki-67 expression and FLUAVsw-specific production of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 in CD4⁺ and CD8β⁺ T cells isolated from piglets that had been intratracheally infected with a H1N2 FLUAVsw isolate. IFN-γ⁺TNF-α⁺IL-2⁺ multifunctional CD4⁺ T cells were present in the blood of all infected animals at one or two weeks after primary infection and their frequency increased in four out of six animals after homologous secondary infection. These cells produced higher amounts of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 than did CD4⁺ T cells that only produced a single cytokine. The vast majority of cytokine-producing CD4⁺ T cells expressed CD8α, a marker associated with activation and memory formation in porcine CD4⁺ T cells. Analysis of CD27 expression suggested that FLUAVsw-specific CD4⁺ T cells included both central memory and effector memory populations. Three out of six animals showed a strong increase of Ki-67⁺perforin⁺ CD8β⁺ T cells in blood one week post infection. Blood-derived FLUAVsw-specific CD8β⁺ T cells could be identified after an in vitro expansion phase and were multifunctional in terms of CD107a expression and co-production of IFN-γ and TNF-α. These data show that multifunctional T cells are generated in response to FLUAVsw infection of pigs, supporting the idea that T cells contribute to the efficient control of infection.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13567-015-0182-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Blood Lymphocyte Subpopulations, Neutrophil Phagocytosis and Proteinogram During Late Pregnancy and Postpartum in Mares

The aim of this study was to evaluate peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations, neutrophil phagocytic capacity and proteinogram characteristics in mares, during the last trimester of pregnancy and in postpartum. Measurement of phagocytosis and quantification of T‐lymphocyte subsets were done by flow cytometry. Quantification of T‐lymphocyte subsets was performed with monoclonal antibodies specific for CD2, CD3, CD4 and CD8 cell markers. Natural killer and B‐cell counts were estimated mathematically. Serum proteinogram was obtained by electrophoresis. No significant differences were observed between gestation and postpartum on CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and NK⁺ lymphocyte subsets, CD4 : CD8 ratio and phagocytosis. The percentage of cells expressing CD3 (64.2 ± 1.8) and CD2 (68.4 ± 1.7) (Mean ± SEM) was reduced during gestation vs postpartum (69.7 ± 1.5 and 73.8 ± 1.4 respectively) (p < 0.05). During pregnancy, CD19⁺ (31.6 ± 1.7) was higher than in postpartum (26.2 ± 1.4) (p < 0.05). Total T cells (2911 ± 227 cells/μl), T helper cells (2144 ± 169 cells/μl) and T‐cytotoxic cells (767 ± 68 cells/μl) were depressed in pregnancy, when compared with postpartum (4093 ± 337 cells/μl; 3004 ± 276 cells/μl; 1089 ± 94 cells/μl respectively) (p < 0.01). Total white blood cell count was reduced during pregnancy (8815 ± 427 cells/μl) with respect to postpartum (10742 ± 446 cells/μl) (p < 0.01), while neutrophil count did not change. Total proteins, albumin, α₁,α₂,β₁, β₂, γ globulins and albumin : globulin did not differ. Our results suggest that the physiological immune depression occurring in mares, during gestation might be due to T‐helper and T‐cytotoxic lymphocytes reduction.     

Frequency of IFNγ-producing T cells correlates with seroreactivity and activated T cells during canine Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Vaccines to prevent Trypanosoma cruzi infection in humans or animals are not available, and in many settings, dogs are an important source of domestic infection for the insect vector. Identification of infected canines is crucial for evaluating peridomestic transmission dynamics and parasite control strategies. As immune control of T. cruzi infection is dependent on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, we aimed to define a serodiagnostic assay and T cell phenotypic markers for identifying infected dogs and studying the canine T. cruzi-specific immune response. Plasma samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from forty-two dogs living in a T. cruzi-endemic region. Twenty dogs were known to be seropositive and nine seronegative by conventional serologic tests two years prior to our study. To determine canine seroreactivity, we tested sera or plasma samples in a multiplex bead array against eleven recombinant T. cruzi proteins. Ninety-four percent (17/18) of dogs positive by multiplex serology were initially positive by conventional serology. The frequency of IFNγ-producing cells in PBMCs responding to T. cruzi correlated to serological status, identifying 95% of multiplex seropositive dogs. Intracellular staining identified CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell populations as the sources of T. cruzi lysate-induced IFNγ. Low expression of CCR7 and CD62L on CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells suggested a predominance of effector/effector memory T cells in seropositive canines. These results are the first, to our knowledge, to correlate T. cruzi-specific antibody responses with T cell responses in naturally infected dogs and validate these methods for identifying dogs exposed to T. cruzi.     

The impact of Trichinella spiralis excretory-secretory products on dendritic cells

Parasitic nematode Trichinella spiralis exert immunomodulatory effect on the host immune response through excretory–secretory products (ES L1) released from the encysted muscle larvae. Rat bone-marrow derived dendritic cells (DCs) stimulated with ES L1 antigens acquire semi-matured status and induce Th2 and regulatory responses in vitro and in vivo. Priming naïve T cells in vitro with ES L1 pulsed DCs caused strong Th2 polarization, accompanied by elevated production of regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β and no increase in the proportion of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ among the effector T cell population. In vivo T cell priming resulted in mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine response, with the dominance of the Th2 type and elevated levels of regulatory cytokines. Significant increase in the proportion of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ cells was found among recipient's spleen cells. We have achieved to create immune status characteristic for the live infection by in vivo application of DCs educated with ES L1 antigens.     

Isolation and characterization of equine nasal mucosal CD172a+ cells

The nasal mucosa surface is continuously confronted with a broad variety of environmental antigens, ranging from harmless agents to potentially harmful pathogens. This area is under rigorous control of professional antigen presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Mucosal APCs play a crucial role in inducing primary immune responses and the establishment of an immunological memory. In the present study, a detailed characterization of CD172a⁺ cells, containing the APCs residing in the equine nasal mucosa was performed for the first time. CD172a⁺ cells were isolated from collagenase-treated equine nasal mucosa fragments by MACS. Expression of surface markers was determined by flow cytometry and functional analysis was done by measuring the uptake of FITC conjugated ovalbumin (FITC-OVA). Cell surface phenotype of the isolated cells was as follows: 90% CD172a⁺, 30% CD1c⁺, 46% CD83⁺, 42% CD206⁺ and 28% MHC II⁺. This clearly differs from the phenotype of blood-derived monocytes: 96% CD172a⁺, 4% CD1c⁺, 11% CD83⁺, 9% CD206⁺, 72% MHC II⁺ and blood monocyte derived DCs: 99% CD172a⁺, 13% CD1c⁺, 30% CD83⁺, 51% CD206⁺ and 93% MHC II⁺. The CD172a⁺ nasal mucosal cells were functionally able to endocytose FITC-OVA but to a lesser degree than monocyte-derived DCs. Together, these results demonstrate that the isolated CD172a⁺ nasal mucosal cells resemble immature DCs in the nasal area.     

CD8(+) T cell knockout mice are less susceptible to Cowdria ruminantium infection than athymic, CD4(+) T cell knockout, and normal C57BL/6 mice

The role of T cells in immunity to Cowdria ruminantium was investigated by studying the responses to infection of normal, athymic, CD4(+) T cell knock out (KO) and CD8(+) T cell KO C57BL/6 mice. Normal C57BL/6 mice could be immunized by infection and treatment, and immunity was adoptively transferable from immune to naive mice by splenocytes. Following infection, athymic mice died sooner than normal mice (P=0.0017), and could not be immunized by infection and treatment. CD4(+) T cell KO mice were as susceptible to infection as normal mice and could be immunized by infection and treatment. In contrast, CD8(+) T cell KO mice were less susceptible than normal and CD4(+) T cell KO mice and 43% self-cured, while those that died did so after a prolonged incubation period. Antibody responses to C. ruminantium were CD4(+) T cell dependent, because responses were detected in immune normal and CD8(+) T cell KO mice but not in immune CD4(+) KO mice (P=0.005). Since CD8(+) T cell KO mice were less susceptible to infection, and since CD4(+) T cell KO mice could be immunized, it can be concluded that immunity to C. ruminantium can be mediated by both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells.