Mechanism of self-tolerance of gamma/delta T cells in epithelial tissue.
The present study examined mechanisms of tolerance for T cell receptor gamma/delta (TCR-gamma/delta) cells. Using a transgenic (Tg) model, we demonstrate that although alloantigen (Ag)-specific TCR-gamma/delta cells are deleted in the thymus and spleen of Ag-bearing mice, intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) expressing normal levels of the Tg TCR were present. However, Tg+ IELs from Ag-bearing mice were unresponsive to activation. Furthermore, self-reactive Tg+ IELs decreased in number over time. Thus, in epithelial tissue, Tg TCR-gamma/delta cells are eliminated subsequent to and most likely as a result of the induction of clonal anergy.
Barrett
T A
TA
Ben May Institute, University of Chicago, Illinois 60637.
Delvy
M L
ML
Kennedy
D M
DM
Lefrancois
L
L
Matis
L A
LA
Dent
A L
AL
Hedrick
S M
SM
Bluestone
J A
JA
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D005260:Female; D006183:H-2 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology
D006183:H-2 Antigens; D007519:Isoantigens; D008222:Lymphokines; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell