A subset of memory CD4+ helper T lymphocytes identified by expression of Pgp-1

Abstract

The Pgp-1 glycoprotein (Ly-24 antigen) is acquired by mature murine T lymphocytes at the time of primary antigen stimulation. Pgp-1 was previously shown to be a useful cell surface marker for distinguishing antigen-specific memory CD8+ T lymphocytes after immunization. Here we demonstrate that this observation extends to CD4+ T lymphocytes. Antigen-specific CD4+ T cells in mice immunized with sperm whale myoglobin or keyhole limpet hemocyanin were contained nearly exclusively in the minor Pgp-1+ subset.