Phenotypic and functional characterization of human γδ T-cell subsets in response to influenza A viruses

J Infect Dis. 2012 Jun;205(11):1646-53. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jis253. Epub 2012 Mar 28.

Abstract

Like αβ T cells, human γδ T cells also have different subsets with distinct characteristics. Whether human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells have functionally different subsets in response to influenza A (fluA) viruses remains unknown. In this study, we show for the first time that both central (CD45RA(-)CD27(+)) and effector (CD45RA(-)CD27(-)) memory Vγ9Vδ2 T cells have similar levels of immediate interferon (IFN) γ and cytotoxic responses to human and avian fluA virus-infected cells. In contrast, CD56(+) Vγ9Vδ2 T cells have significantly higher cytotoxicity against fluA virus-infected cells compared with their CD56(-) counterparts, whereas both subsets have similar IFN-γ responses. We further demonstrate that the CD16-dependent degranulation pathway, but not antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, contribute to the superior cytotoxicity of CD56(+) Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Our study provides further evidence for the phenotypic and functional characterization of human Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell subsets during fluA virus infection and may help improve the γδ T-cell-based immunotherapy for viral infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD56 Antigen / analysis
  • Cell Degranulation / immunology
  • GPI-Linked Proteins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Influenza A virus / immunology*
  • Influenza, Human / immunology*
  • Influenza, Human / virology*
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens / analysis
  • Receptors, IgG / analysis
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7 / analysis

Substances

  • CD56 Antigen
  • FCGR3B protein, human
  • GPI-Linked Proteins
  • NCAM1 protein, human
  • Receptors, IgG
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens