Activating CD94:NKG2C and inhibitory CD94:NKG2A receptors are expressed by distinct subsets of committed CD8+ TCR alphabeta lymphocytes.
A subset of CD8(+) T cells express the natural killer cell receptors CD94:NKG2A or CD94:NKG2C. We found that although many CD8(+) T cells transcribe CD94 and NKG2C, expression of a functional CD94:NKG2C receptor is restricted to highly differentiated effector cells. CD94:NKG2A is expressed by a different subset consisting of CCR7(+) memory cells and CCR7(-) effector cells. Since NKG2A can only be induced on naive CD8(+) T cells while CD94(-) memory cells are refractory, it is likely that commitment to the CD94:NKG2A(+) subset occurs during the first encounter with antigen. CCR7(+)CD94:NKG2A(+) T cells recirculate through lymph nodes where upon activation, they produce large quantities of IFN-gamma. These cells occur as a separate CD94:NKG2A(+) T cell lineage with a distinct TCR repertoire that differs from that of the other CD8(+)CD94(-) T cells activated in situ.
Arlettaz
Lionel
L
Division of Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Villard
Jean
J
de Rham
Casimir
C
Degermann
Sylvie
S
Chapuis
Bernard
B
Huard
Bertrand
B
Roosnek
Eddy
E
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000276:immunology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D037181:Lectins, C-Type / Q000276:immunology*; D055654:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C; D051920:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology*; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology*; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology
D015703:Antigens, CD; C527054:KLRC1 protein, human; C527059:KLRC2 protein, human; C497869:KLRD1 protein, human; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D055654:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C; D051920:NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily D; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell; D007371:Interferon-gamma