Flexible migration program regulates γδ T-cell involvement in humoral immunity

M Brandes, K Willimann, AB Lang, KH Nam, C Jin… - Blood, 2003 - ashpublications.org
M Brandes, K Willimann, AB Lang, KH Nam, C Jin, MB Brenner, CT Morita, B Moser
Blood, 2003ashpublications.org
Abstract γδ T cells are inadequately defined both in terms of their migration potential and
contribution to antimicrobial immunity. Here, we have examined the migration profile of
human blood γδ T cells and related cell lines and correlated these findings with their
distribution in secondary lymphoid tissues and their function in B-cell cocultures. We find that
resting γδ T cells are characterized by an inflammatory migration program similar to cells of
the innate immune system. However, T-cell receptor (TCR) triggering resulted in the rapid …
Abstract
γδ T cells are inadequately defined both in terms of their migration potential and contribution to antimicrobial immunity. Here, we have examined the migration profile of human blood γδ T cells and related cell lines and correlated these findings with their distribution in secondary lymphoid tissues and their function in B-cell cocultures. We find that resting γδ T cells are characterized by an inflammatory migration program similar to cells of the innate immune system. However, T-cell receptor (TCR) triggering resulted in the rapid but transient induction of a lymph node (LN)-homing program, as evidenced by functional CCR7 expression and concomitant reduction in expression and function of CCR5 and, to a lesser degree, CCR2. Moreover, the LN-homing program was reflected by the presence of γδ T cells in gastrointestinal lymphoid tissues, notably in clusters within germinal centers of B-cell follicles. In line with these findings, VγVδ-TCR triggering resulted in prominent expression of essential B-cell costimulatory molecules, including CD40L, OX40, CD70, and ICOS. Furthermore, γδ T cells were shown to provide potent B-cell help during in vitro antibody production. Collectively, our findings agree with a role for γδ T cells in humoral immunity during the early phase of antimicrobial responses. (Blood. 2003; 102:3693-3701)
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