Teaching old drugs new tricks : selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as a novel class of immunosuppressants
Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Serotonin transporter (SERT) expression has been demonstrated in human lymphocytes, including B lymphocytes, NK cells and other immune cells.However, discussion remains on whether human T lymphocytes express SERT.Given the potentially important role of serotonin (5HT) in lymphocyte activation and proliferation, we investigated SERT expression in purified human T lymphocytes both in resting and activated state.Blood samples were collected from 9 healthy volunteers.PBMCs were isolated using Ficoll density centrifugation and T lymphocytes were further purified with magnetic activated cell sorting.T cells were either processed for mRNA and protein isolation immediately, or after activation using anti-CD3/CD28 coated magnetic beads and proliferation for 72h at 37°C and 5% CO 2 .SERT mRNA expression was measured using qRT-PCR and droplet digital PCR while SERT protein was detected on western blot.SERT expression was detected both on mRNA and protein level, although expression levels were low.On mRNA level, SERT was expressed in both resting and activated cells.On the protein level however, only activated cells displayed SERT expression.This observation might point to a 'translational readiness' where resting T lymphocytes already produce SERT mRNA, but translation is only induced after activation of the cells.
Author: Veerle Gobin
Language: English
Topic: T-cell and B-cell Immunology
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2288102442