The differential expression of homing and adhesion molecules on virgin and memory T cells in the mouse.

We have used an anti-CD45R mAb to identify virgin and memory CD4+ T cells. In this report, we demonstrate that in mice, as in humans, virgin and memory T cells express different levels of adhesion molecules. Splenic CD45Rlo memory T cells express higher levels of PgP-1, Lyt-1, and LFA-1 than do CD45Rhi virgin cells. In contrast, CD45Rlo memory cells express lower levels of antigens identified by the mAbs. Mel-14 (leukocyte homing receptor) and SM3G11. These observations are in agreement with work in humans and rats which suggests that differences in the levels of adhesion molecules and homing receptors might be related to the efficiency of activation and patterns of recirculation among virgin and memory T cells.