Zonula Occludens Proteins (ZOPs) were found in cells of immune system recently. Due to the upregulation of ZO-2 during T cell activation by anti CD3/CD28 in vitro stimulation of T cells, we expressed a deep interest in exploring the roles of ZOPs in immunology. CD4-cre mice were sacrificed for the analysis of individual thymus and spleen. The cells were stained with CD4-APC and CD8-PE antibodies. We then analysed them with FACS Calibur to observe the T cell development and splenic T cells distribution. T cell proliferation was being observed by sacrificing OT-II CD4-cre for their lymph nodes and spleen and CD11c-cre mice for their bone marrow. After the co-culturing of different combinations of T cells and dendritic cells, [3H] thymidine was added and measured with a scintillation counter. Here, we showed that T cell development and splenic T cells distribution were not affected. We observed a higher proliferative ability in OT-II/CD4/ZO-1-/- and yet a lower proliferative ability in OT-II/CD4/ZO-2-/-. In conclusion, there may be other functions and mechanisms of ZOPs that have yet to be discovered. We hope that the uncovering of ZOPs’ new functions in the future will benefit the immunology field, hence solving the many human diseases that are mainly caused by tight junctions.
IIIBachelor of Science in Biological Science
