Diverse cytotoxicity of Vibrio vulnificus cytolysin to murine spleen and lung T cell subsets

Abstract

Objective To understand how Vibrio vulnificus hemolysin (VvhA) affects the viability and tissue variability of murine spleen and lung T cell subsets. Methods The single-cell suspensions were prepared from spleen and lung tissues of C57BL/6 mice, and then were treated with recombinant VvhA (rVvhA) for 6 hours in vitro. The viability and tissue variability of murine spleen and lung CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells were determined by staining with anti-mouse CD45.2, CD4, CD8, CD44, CD62L and cell viability fluorescent dye or fluorescent antibody. Results After treated with the rVvhA for 6 hours in vitro, the viability of murine spleen CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells were decreased and the CD4+ T cells were more sensitive to the cytotoxicity of rVvhA. However, there was no significant change in the viability of murine lung CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, the viability of murine spleen naive CD4+ T cells and effector CD4+ T cells were also decreased, while there was no change in that of the naive CD4+ T cells and effector CD4+ T cells in lung tissues. Conclusion There was tissue variability in the cytotoxicity of rVvhA to murine spleen and lung T cell subsets and that might be associated with the naive CD4+ T cells. Key words: Vibrio vulnificus cytolysin; Spleen T cell; Lung T cell; Naive CD4+ T cell