Gamma-delta T cell is essential for allergen-induced late asthmatic response in a murine model of asthma.
BACKGROUND
Gamma-delta (gamma-delta) T cells regulate immune responses at mucosal surfaces. Whether they can modify allergen-induced early (EAR) and late airway responses (LAR) is unknown.


OBJECTIVE
We have tested the hypothesis that the gamma-delta T cells enhance allergen-induced airway responses in mice.


METHODS
BALB/c wild-type (WT) mice and gamma-delta T cell-deficient (gamma-delta T-cell KO) mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) on days 1 and 15, immunized with 1% OVA aerosol on days 29-31, and challenged with 5% OVA or saline on day 33. Enhanced pause (Penh) was measured and BAL fluid was collected after challenge. Serum IgE was measured before challenge. The percentage of interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma producing T cells in splenocytes from sensitized animals was determined by flow cytometry.


RESULTS
Both EAR and LAR were observed in OVA-challenged WT mice. LAR but not EAR was inhibited in OVA-challenged gamma-delta T-cell KO mice. Gamma-delta T-cell KO mice showed less eosinophilia in BALF and serum OVA-specific IgE. In the sensitization period, the percentage of IFN-gamma producing alpha-beta T cell in gamma-delta T-cell KO mice was higher than that in WT mice.


CONCLUSIONS
gamma-delta T cells enhance LAR and airway inflammation but not EAR in this model of asthma.
Tamura-Yamashita
Kanna
K
Department of Integrated Pulmonology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.
Endo
Junji
J
Isogai
Susumu
S
Matsuoka
Kunie
K
Yonekawa
Hiromichi
H
Yoshizawa
Yasuyuki
Y
D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D010047:Ovalbumin / Q000276:immunology; D010993:Plethysmography, Whole Body; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / Q000276:immunology*; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000276:immunology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
D000485:Allergens; D016207:Cytokines; D016692:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D010047:Ovalbumin