Functional characterization of T-cells from palatine tonsils in patients with chronic tonsillitis

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183214
• Publication Date: 2017-09-06T17:40:13Z
• Authors: Katharina Geißler; Robby Markwart; Robert Pascal Req...; Cynthia Weigel; Katja Schubert; André Scherag; Ignacio Rubio; Orlando Guntinas-...
• Keywords: Palatine tonsil; Immunophenotyping; Tonsil; Peritonsillar Abscess; Acute Tonsillitis

The palatine tonsils, localized in the oropharynx, are easily accessible secondary lymphoid tissue humans. Inflammation of local and chronic case tonsillitis (CT) or acute presence a peritonsillar abscess (PTA), ranks among most common diseases otolaryngology. However, functionality tonsillar immune cells, notably T-cells, context these pathologies is poorly understood. We have examined functional status human T-cells CT compared it to inflammatory setting PTA. Patients presenting with (n = 10) unilateral PTA 7) underwent bilateral tonsillectomy subgroup 8 patients additional blood sampling. were purified via automated magnetic selection subjected flow cytometry-based immunophenotyping. In addition, response T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation was assessed at level proximal signaling, activation marker expression proliferation. observed no difference between percentage T helper (CD4(+)) cells from tonsil PTA, but trend towards higher versus CT, probably reflecting an acute, systemic bacterial infection former cohort. Tonsils harbored more PD-1(+) CD4(+) pointing exhaustion due infection. This notion supported by studies that showed tendency weaker TCR responses CT. Intriguingly, recurrently featured dampened signaling steps peripheral T-cells. sum, our study documents distinct differences class distribution function various pathological conditions. Our observations consistent concept react infections eliciting specific immunological settings inflammation.