CD56 marks an effector T cell subset in the human intestine.
T cells are key mediators of intestinal immunity, and specific T cell subsets can have differing immunoregulatory roles in animal models of mucosal inflammation. In this study, we describe human CD56+ T cells as a morphologically distinct population expressing a mature, nonproliferative phenotype that is frequent in the gut. Enhanced potential for IFN-gamma and TNF synthesis suggested a proinflammatory function, and we directly demonstrate effector function mediated by direct T-T interaction with responder cells in vitro. CD56+ T cells from peripheral blood responded to the gut-related CD2 signal, and were necessary for effective CD2-mediated proliferation of peripheral blood CD56- T cells. Our findings associate CD56+ T cells with the intestinal immune compartment and suggest a putative effector function in human mucosal immunity.
Cohavy
Offer
O
Cedars-Sinai Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, 8700 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
Targan
Stephan R
SR
D018801:CD2 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D019002:CD56 Antigen / Q000032:analysis*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018928:Immunity, Mucosal; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology*; D007422:Intestines / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology
D018801:CD2 Antigens; D019002:CD56 Antigen; D016207:Cytokines