Properdin, a positive regulator of complement activation, is expressed in human T cell lines and peripheral blood T cells.

Properdin plays an important regulatory role in the activation of the complement system. Here we report the biosynthesis of properdin in four different human T cell lines and in T cells purified from peripheral blood. Cell sorting experiments, in conjunction with Northern blotting, showed that both CD4- and CD8-bearing populations of T cells have the potential to synthesize properdin. The functional activity of properdin secreted from these T cell lines was determined in a hemolytic assay. In view of the numerous ways in which complement activation may influence cellular immune response, the present results indicate, for the first time, a possible interaction between the complement and the T cell system.