A 28-color panel for classical and non-classical T lymphocytes in decidua and PBMC in rhesus macaques

Abstract

This 28-color panel was developed to identify classical and non-classical T lymphocytes in decidual leukocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of pregnant rhesus macaques. By profiling these T lymphocytes, we can investigate how maternal immunity balances tolerance to fetal antigens with protection against vertically transmitted pathogens. The selected markers define memory populations and characterize tissue residency, activation, proliferation, cytotoxicity, trafficking, and exhaustion status. This panel also delineates B lymphocytes and NK cells to confirm expected frequencies. The utility of this panel is aimed at evaluating cellular immune correlates of protection against congenital infections at the maternal-fetal interface and PBMC in rhesus macaques.