MURINE KUPFFER CELL .1. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CELL SERVING ACCESSORY FUNCTION IN ANTIGEN-SPECIFIC T-CELL PROLIFERATION

Abstract

Murine Kupffer cells, the tissue macrophages of the liver, were isolated by collagenase digestion, differential sedimentation over Metrizamide and glass adherence. The resultant cell population was more than 86% phagocytic, and 95% of cells stained positively for .alpha.-naphthyl butyrate esterase activity. The cells also had cell surface receptors for complement (C) and the Fc portion of Ig[immunoglobulin]G. A large proportion of Kupffer cells bore Ia antigens: about half of the cells bore I-A subregion-encoded antigens and about half bore I-BJE or I-EC subregion-encoded antigens. Kupffer cell populations were capable of reconstituting antigen-stimulated proliferative responses of antigen-primed, macrophage-depleted, lymph node T [thymus-derived] cells. The ability to reconstitute proliferation was enriched in the adherent population and was resistant to radiation and treatment with an anti-Thy antiserum and C. Isolated murine Kupffer cells bear the Ia [immune response-associated] phenotype of accessory cells that function in antigen presentation, and Kupffer cells can participate in induction of antigen-specific immune responses. Kupffer cells may play a role in modulating responses to enterically derived antigens.