Naive CD8(+) but not CD4(+) T cells induce maturation of dendritic cells.
We have shown previously that the generation of tumor-reactive CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes require qualitatively different signals from CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells that most likely are provided to dendritic cells (DCs). This raises the question of whether the two T cell subsets are equally able to deliver the initial activation signal to DCs. Using ovalbumin as a model antigen we show that naive CD4(+) T cells cannot activate immature DCs and do not become activated, even though they recognize antigen on immature DCs. In contrast, naive CD8(+) T cells rapidly activate DCs and subsequently start to proliferate. This suggests that CD8(+) T cells contribute to DC activation prior to CD4(+) T cells and implies that CD8(+) T cells can provide help to CD4(+) T cells.
Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany. tschue@mdc-berlin.de
Thomas
T
Schüler
Thomas
T
Blankenstein
D000818:Animals; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000276:immunology*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D010047:Ovalbumin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology
D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D010047:Ovalbumin