Intestinal intraepithelial TCRγδ⁺ T cells are activated by normal commensal bacteria

J Microbiol. 2012 Oct;50(5):837-41. doi: 10.1007/s12275-012-2468-8. Epub 2012 Nov 4.

Abstract

TCRγδ(+) T cells play a critical role in protecting the intestinal mucosa against pathogenic infection. In the absence of infection, TCRγδ(+) T cell activation must be continuously regulated by T regulatory cells (Treg) to prevent the development of colitis. However, the activation of intestinal TCRγδ(+) T cells under normal conditions has not been clearly resolved. In order to determine TCRγδ(+) T cell activation in vivo, we designed an NF-κB based reporter system. Using the recombinant lentiviral method, we delivered the NF-κB reporter to isolated TCRγδ(+) T cells, which were then adoptively transferred into normal mice. Our data indicate that the NF-κB activation level in TCRγδ(+) T cells is higher in the intestinal intraepithelial layer than in the lamina propria region. In addition, the surface expression level of lymphocyte activation marker CD69 in TCRγδ(+) T cells is also higher in the intestinal intraepithelial layer and this activation was reduced by Sulfatrim treatment which removes of commensal bacteria. Collectively, our data indicate that the TCRγδ(+) T cell population attached to the intestinal lumen is constitutively activated even by normal commensal bacteria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / immunology*
  • Bacterial Adhesion
  • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / microbiology
  • Intestines / immunology*
  • Intestines / microbiology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • NF-kappa B / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / immunology*

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta