Critical role of leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 in liver accumulation of CD4(+)NKT cells

In contrast to peripheral lymphoid organs, a high percentage of T cells in the liver are CD CD4(+)NKT cells. We asked whether adhesion molecules play any role in the accumulation of CD4(+)NKT cells in the liver. Liver CD4(+)N KT cells expressed ICAM-1 and high levels of LFA-1, In the livers of LFA-l deficient mice, the number of CD4(+)NKT cells was markedly decreased. This reduction was restricted to the liver, and no reduction Has found in the ot her organs analyzed, In contrast, the number of liver CD4(+)NKT cells in IC AM-1-deficient mice was only marginally reduced. In a reciprocal radiation thymocyte reconstitution system with LFA-1-deficient and wild-type mice, LF A-I expressed on liver cells other than CD4(+)NKT cells was required for an accumulation of CD4(+)NKT cells in the liver. These results demonstrate a crucial role for LFA-I in the accumulation of CD4(+)NKT cells in the liver.