Cord blood-derived Vδ2+ and Vδ2- T cells acquire differential cell state compositions upon in vitro expansion

Sci Adv. 2023 Jun 16;9(24):eadf3120. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adf3120. Epub 2023 Jun 16.

Abstract

Human cord blood-derived γδ T cells (CBγδ) display a highly diverse TCRγδ repertoire and have a unique subtype composition different from fetal or adult peripheral blood counterparts. We expanded CBγδ in vitro using an irradiated Epstein-Barr virus-transformed feeder cell-based modified rapid expansion protocol (REP). Single-cell RNA sequencing tracked progressive differentiation of naïve CBγδ into cells expressing neoantigen-reactive tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte as well as tissue-resident memory precursor-like and antigen-presenting cell-like gene signatures. TCRγδ clonal tracing revealed a bias toward cytotoxic effector differentiation in a much larger proportion of Vδ2- clones compared to Vδ2+ clones, resulting in the former being more cytotoxic at the population level. These clonotype-specific differentiation dynamics were not restricted to REP and were recapitulated upon secondary nonviral antigen stimulations. Thus, our data showed intrinsic cellular differences between major subtypes of human γδ T cells already in operation at early postnatal stage and highlighted key areas of consideration in optimizing cell manufacturing processes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections*
  • Fetal Blood
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / genetics
  • T-Lymphocytes*

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta