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CD3 expression distinguishes two gammadeltaT cell receptor subsets with different phenotype and effector function in
N Yokobori1, P Schierloh, L Geffner
1Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Hematológicas, Academia Nacional de Medicina, 1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|August 12, 2009
Summary
Tuberculous pleurisy involves Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Gamma delta T cells in pleural fluid show enhanced activation and effector functions, suggesting a beneficial role in fighting tuberculosis within the pleural space.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tuberculous pleurisy is a common manifestation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection.
- Gamma delta T cells play a role in immune responses but their function in tuberculous pleurisy is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenotype and effector functions of gamma delta T cells in peripheral blood and pleural effusion of tuberculosis patients.
- To determine the role of different gamma delta T cell subsets in the immune response to Mtb infection in the pleural space.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of activation, NK, and cell migration markers on gamma delta T cells.
- Interferon-gamma production and CD107a expression were measured upon stimulation with Mtb.
- Two subsets of gamma delta T cells, distinguished by their CD3/gammadeltaT cell receptor (gammadeltaTCR) complex, were characterized.
Main Results:
- A decreased percentage of circulating gamma delta T cells was observed in tuberculosis patients.
- Differential expression of NK and chemokine receptors was found on gamma delta T cells in peripheral blood and pleural effusion.
- Pleural effusion-derived gamma delta T cells exhibited a more activated phenotype and stronger interferon-gamma production compared to peripheral blood cells.
- The Vdelta2(+) enriched gammadeltaTCR(low) subset in pleural effusion demonstrated potent effector functions.
Conclusions:
- Gamma delta T cells migrate to the pleural space and acquire an activated phenotype during Mtb infection.
- Pleural effusion gamma delta T cells, particularly the gammadeltaTCR(low) subset, are potent effector cells contributing to the control of tuberculous pleurisy.
- These findings suggest that gamma delta T cells play a beneficial role in tuberculous pleurisy by promoting a T helper type 1 immune response.
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