title: Distinct subpopulations of gamma delta T cells are present in normal and tumor-bearing human liver.
abstract: Gamma delta T cells are thought to mediate immune responses at epithelial surfaces. We have quantified and characterized hepatic and peripheral blood gamma delta T cells from 11 normal and 13 unresolved tumor-bearing human liver specimens. gamma delta T cells are enriched in normal liver (6.6% of T cells) relative to matched blood (0.9%; P = 0.008). The majority express CD4(-)CD8(-) phenotypes and many express CD56 and/or CD161. In vitro, hepatic gamma delta T cells can be induced to kill tumor cell lines and release interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-2 and interleukin-4. Analysis of V gamma and V delta chain usage indicated that V delta 3(+) cells are expanded in normal livers (21.2% of gamma delta T cells) compared to blood (0.5%; P = 0.001). Tumor-bearing livers had significant expansions and depletions of gamma delta T cell subsets but normal cytolytic activity. This study identifies novel populations of liver T cells that may play a role in immunity against tumors.
authors.affiliation: Education and Research Centre, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kenna
authors.forename: Lucy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Golden-Mason
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Norris
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hegarty
authors.forename: Cliona
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Farrelly
authors.forename: Derek G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Doherty
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta