Identification and characterization of an M cell marker in nasopharynx- and oropharynx-associated lymphoid tissue of sheep.

M cells play a pivotal role in the induction of immune responses within the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues. M cells exist principally in the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) of the isolated solitary lymphoid follicles as well as in the lymphoid follicles of nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue and gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Through lymphatic cannulation it is possible to investigate local immune responses induced following nasal Ag delivery in sheep. Hence, identifying sheep M cell markers would allow the targeting of M cells to offset the problem of trans-epithelial Ag delivery associated with inducing mucosal immunity. Sheep cDNA from the tonsils of the oropharynx and nasopharynx was PCR amplified using Glycoprotein-2 (GP)-specific primers and expressed as a poly-His-tagged recombinant sheep GP (56 kDa) in HEK293 cells. The recombinant GP protein was purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and polyclonal serum against the protein was raised in rats. The antiserum recognized the recombinant sheep GP and purified rat IgG against GP stained M cells in sections of sheep tonsils from nasopharynx and oropharynx. M cells were found to be present in epithelium of the palatine tonsils (oropharynx), pharyngeal tonsils as well as tubal tonsils (nasopharynx). They were also present in the FAE of the scattered lymphoid follicles over the base of the nasopharynx. Thus, GP has been identified to be an important M cell marker of nasopharynx and oropharynx-associated lymphoid tissues in sheep.