Stimulation of TCR V gamma 3 cells by gram-negative bacteria.
A distinct feature of most murine TCR-gamma delta cells is that they localize in epithelial tissues that cover the internal and external surface of the body. Therefore, TCR-gamma delta cells have been hypothesized to represent a first line of defense against invading pathogens. In this study, it is shown that TCR V gamma 3 cells are activated to produce cytokines upon interaction with Gram-negative bacteria, whereas Gram-positive bacteria have no effect. Accessory cells are not required. LPS of Gram-negative bacteria is shown to be the stimulating structure for TCR V gamma 3 cells, as the stimulation is inhibited by addition of polymyxin B or anti-LPS Ab and as purified LPS stimulates V gamma 3 T cells. Blocking of the V gamma 3 TCR does not inhibit stimulation by Gram-negative bacteria, whereas suboptimal triggering of the TCR is synergistic. These results demonstrate that LPS is an important stimulus for TCR V gamma 3 cells. This indicates that skin-located V gamma 3 T cells might play a role in the defense against Gram-negative bacteria.
Leclercq
G
G
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ghent, University Hospital, Belgium.
Plum
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000276:immunology*; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000276:immunology; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000502:physiology; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology
D007376:Interleukin-2; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta