Figure 1
The invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in different fetal organs. (a) The frequency of iNKT cells (CD1d-PBS57 tetramer+) in fetal organs from a representative donor was analyzed by flow cytometry. iNKT cell frequencies are shown as a percentage of live CD3+ cells. Adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are shown as a positive control. (b) Fetal iNKT cells are found at a higher frequency in the small intestine. Gestational ages between weeks 18 and 23 are shown, the minimum age for mesenteric lymph node (MLN) acquisition was week 18. One-way analysis of variance analysis between fetal small intestine, spleen, and MLN. iNKT cell frequency versus gestational age in the small intestine (c) and spleen (d). Spearman rank correlation shown.
