Flexible migration program regulates gamma delta T-cell involvement in humoral immunity.
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.
Brandes
Marlene
M
Theodor-Kocher Institute, University of Bern, CH-3000 Bern 9, Switzerland.
Willimann
Katharina
K
Lang
Alois B
AB
Nam
Ki-Hoan
KH
Jin
Chenggang
C
Brenner
Michael B
MB
Morita
Craig T
CT
Moser
Bernhard
B
D000917:Antibody Formation; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / Q000276:immunology*; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D004064:Digestive System / Q000166:cytology; D018858:Germinal Center / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000166:cytology; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000276:immunology*; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine / Q000032:analysis; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology
D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta; D019707:Receptors, Chemokine; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic