Dear James, airway T cells (in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) are definitely of an activated phenotype. (There is a large body of literature for human cells, I don't know about murine cells). This activation may be due to activation signals received during migration of the cells through the interstitial tissues and/or activation in situ due to constant encounter with aerosolized antigens. From our experience with normal human volunteers, approximately 70% of CD4+ BAL cells express CD69 compared to 15% for CD4+ blood cells (MCF is 328 vs 264). For HLA-DR approximately 70% of CD4+ BAL cells are positive compared to 5% of CD4+ blood cells (however, the MCF is similar 326 vs 362). We don't see much difference in CD25 (although it is reported in the literature). For CD25+, 30% of BAL CD4s and 35% of blood cells are positive. Hope this helps-Becky Elizabeth A. (Becky) Kelly, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin, Department of Medicine 600 Highland Avenue, RM K4/930 Madison, WI 53592 (608) 263-3253 (office) (608) 263-9144 (lab) (608) 263-3746 (FAX)
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