Figure 4
From: T cell-activation in neuromyelitis optica lesions plays a role in their formation
T cells with different CNS antigen-specificity are activated to different extent in the CNS. Analysis of surface markers by flow cytometry. Histograms are shown. GFP-labeled MBP-, S100β-, and MOG-specific T cells isolated from the spleen (blue) or spinal cord (green) of recipient rats were isolated at the acute phase of clinical symptoms and analyzed for the expression of T cell receptors (TCR), interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2R) or the Ox40 antigen, using specific antibodies for these molecules and an isotype control (IgG). MBP-specific T cells were strongly activated, as evidenced by a down-regulation of TCR, and an up-regulation of IL-2R and the Ox40 antigen. S100β-specific T cells showed an intermediated degree of activation (i.e. no downregulation of TCR, weak up-regulation of IL-2R and Ox40 antigen), and MOG-specific T cells were not noticeably activated, as revealed by the lack of upregulation of IL-2R and the Ox40 antigen).