Phenotypic maturation of porcine NK- and T-cell subsets

Detailed information concerning the development of the immune system in young pigs is still rudimental. In the present study, we analyzed changes in phenotype and absolute numbers of natural killer cells, γδ T cells, T helper cells, regulatory T cells and cytolytic T cells in the blood of pigs from birth to six months of age. For each lymphocyte subpopulation, a combination of lineage and differentiation markers was investigated by six-color flow cytometry. Major findings were: (i) absolute numbers of γδ T cells strongly increased from birth until 19–25 weeks of age, indicating an important role for these cells during adolescence; (ii) phenotype of T helper cells changed over time from CD8α−SLA-DR−CD27+ towards CD8α+SLA-DR+CD27− but CD45RC− T helper cells were found immediately after birth, therefore questioning the role of this marker for the identification of T-helper memory cells; (iii) for cytolytic T cells, putative phenotypes for early effector (CD3+CD8αβ+perforin+CD27dim) and late effector or memory cells (CD3+CD8αβ+perforin+CD27−) could be identified.

► All NK cells contained perforin already at the day of birth.
► Absolute number of γδ T cells continuously increased and peaked at six months of age.
► Progression of T helper cells from CD8α−SLA-DR−CD27+ towards CD8α+SLA-DR+CD27− phenotype.
► Phenotypes for early (perforin+CD27+) and late (perforin+CD27−) effector CTLs identified.