Flexible migration program regulates gamma delta T-cell involvement in humoral immunity

Blood. 2003 Nov 15;102(10):3693-701. doi: 10.1182/blood-2003-04-1016. Epub 2003 Jul 24.

Abstract

gamma delta 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 gamma delta 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 gamma delta 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 gamma delta T cells in gastrointestinal lymphoid tissues, notably in clusters within germinal centers of B-cell follicles. In line with these findings, V gamma V delta-TCR triggering resulted in prominent expression of essential B-cell costimulatory molecules, including CD40L, OX40, CD70, and ICOS. Furthermore, gamma delta T cells were shown to provide potent B-cell help during in vitro antibody production. Collectively, our findings agree with a role for gamma delta T cells in humoral immunity during the early phase of antimicrobial responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibody Formation*
  • Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / immunology*
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Digestive System / cytology
  • Germinal Center / cytology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Lymph Nodes / cytology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / immunology*
  • Receptors, Chemokine / analysis
  • Receptors, Immunologic / analysis
  • Receptors, Immunologic / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology

Substances

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