Preferential adherence of human gamma delta, CD8+, and memory T cells to fibroblasts

Fibroblasts and extracellular matrix produced by fibroblasts provide a framework within solid tissues to which lymphocytes can adhere. Lymphocyte adherence to this framework under basal and inflammatory conditions should contribute to retention of cells involved in innate and specific immunity. The purpose of this work was to determine whether all T cell subsets bind equally well to fibroblast cultures. T cells from healthy humans were co-cultured with autologous or allogenic dermal fibroblast cultures and adherent cells evaluated for surface markers. T cells adherent to untreated autologous fibroblast cultures were enriched for gamma delta T cells, with a striking increase in the V delta 1+ subpopulation. Exposure of the fibroblast cultures to rhIFN-gamma increased the number of adherent T cells and changed the pattern of adherence. Adherent T cells were further enriched for gamma delta T cells but not the V delta 1+ subset, and enriched for CD8+ and memory T cells. These findings suggest that T cell populations that bind to basal and stimulated fibroblast cultures are distinct. There were no qualitative differences in the binding of T cells to autologous and allogeneic fibroblast cultures.