Characteristics of porcine T lymphocytes and T-cell lines

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against leucocyte differentiation antigens have altered the way in which immunologists examine the immune system. These mAb allow us to identify distinct surface molecules on leucocyte populations, by which these cells can be classified, isolated and studied for their functional properties. This review summarizes the knowledge about differentiation antigens useful in the characterization of porcine T lymphocytes. Furthermore, it focuses on several properties of porcine T lymphocytes, T-lymphocyte subpopulations and the generation of porcine antigen-specific T-cell lines.