Differential effects of cytolytic T cell subsets on intracellular infection

Science. 1997 Jun 13;276(5319):1684-7. doi: 10.1126/science.276.5319.1684.

Abstract

In analyzing mechanisms of protection against intracellular infections, a series of human CD1-restricted T cell lines of two distinct phenotypes were derived. Both CD4(-)CD8(-) (double-negative) T cells and CD8(+) T cells efficiently lysed macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The cytotoxicity of CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells was mediated by Fas-FasL interaction and had no effect on the viability of the mycobacteria. The CD8(+) T cells lysed infected macrophages by a Fas-independent, granule-dependent mechanism that resulted in killing of bacteria. These data indicate that two phenotypically distinct subsets of human cytolytic T lymphocytes use different mechanisms to kill infected cells and contribute in different ways to host defense against intracellular infection.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD1 / immunology*
  • Cell Line
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / immunology
  • Cytotoxicity, Immunologic*
  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Granzymes
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Macrophages / microbiology
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / growth & development
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis / immunology*
  • Perforin
  • Phenotype
  • Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
  • Serine Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • Strontium / pharmacology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*
  • fas Receptor / immunology
  • fas Receptor / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, CD1
  • FASLG protein, human
  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
  • fas Receptor
  • Perforin
  • Granzymes
  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • GZMA protein, human
  • Strontium