Haematopoietic immune cell populations play an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous neurological disorders. To better understand the function of resident mononuclear phagocytes and migrating leukocytes in the central nervous system (CNS), the definition of these populations in healthy individuals is crucial. Therefore, the composition of CNS-associated leukocytes, isolated from macaque brain tissue, was assessed using multicolor flow cytometry. We established a combination of antibodies directed against nine different antigens that enabled a precise classification of all major immune cell populations in a single tube. Macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), B and T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells were differentiated in CNS and peripheral blood. Additionally, microglia cells were detected in the brain. Using this antibody combination also allowed the discrimination of functionally different subsets among the distinct immunocyte populations, for example, CD8 positive cytotoxic T lymphocytes. About 95% of the leukocytes in the brain are microglia cells. Two additional myeloid cell populations, CD14 positive macrophages and CD11c-positive DCs, were also identified. In contrast to blood, where macrophages are more abundant, DCs outnumbered macrophages in the brain. Among lymphocytes, proportions of CD20 positive B lymphocytes were decreased, and T lymphocytes as well as NK cells were increased in brain compared to blood. Significant changes were also detected for macrophage and T-cell subpopulations. The nonexclusive expression of certain surface makers on different cell populations demanded a simultaneous classification of all intrathecal immune cells. Knowing their exact composition offers new insights on interaction and regulation in inflammatory processes and will be instrumental to monitor alterations in the course of neurological diseases. ' 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry

The chemotactic microphage function in combating and eliminating microorganisms is one of the most important features of the cellular immune system. Using a modified Boyden method we studied in vitro the chemotactic activity of the granulocytes in 5 patients suffering from chronic muco-cutaneous candidosis (CMCC), 3 of the familial and 2 of the non-familial type. To obtain quantitative results comparable to those of a control group, we investigated the granulocytes of 55 clinically and immunologically healthy persons by the same way. So we found, in comparison with the results of the controls, a striking reduction of the chemotactic granulocyte activity in all CMCC patients. This impairment of chemotaxis is apparently due to an inborn defect of the microphages. It is pointed out, however, that a non-specific stimulation of the immune system might be a promising way in the treatment of patients affected by CMCC.

Herrn Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Hardeland danke ich für das entgegengebrachte Interesse und die Bereitschaft, die externe Betreuung der vorliegenden Arbeit und deren Vertretung im Fachbereich Biologie der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen zu übernehmen. Herrn Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hunsmann danke ich für die guten Arbeitsmöglichkeiten in der Abteilung Virologie und Immunologie am Deutschen Primatenzentrum und die große Unterstützung gerade in der Endphase der Arbeit. Mein besonderer Dank gilt Herrn PD Dr. Sieghart Sopper. Für die Vergabe des Themas und die Aufnahme in die Arbeitsgruppe, vor allem aber für die sehr gute Betreuung und die angenehme Zusammenarbeit vielen Dank. Bei Frau Nicola Schwedhelm möchte ich mich für die sehr gute Zusammenarbeit und all die kleinen Dinge, die das Leben schöner machten, ganz herzlich bedanken. Frau Wiebke Rettberg danke ich für ihre tatkräftige Unterstützung und die große Hilfsbereitschaft.