Cytomegalovirus drives Vδ1⁺ γδ T cell expansion and clonality in common variable immunodeficiency

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• T cell biology

Background:

• Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) impairs antibody production, increasing infection susceptibility.
• Gamma delta (γδ) T cells are crucial for host defense against pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the function and phenotype of γδ T cells in CVID patients.
• To understand the role of γδ T cells in the immune response within CVID.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of γδ T cell subsets (Vδ1+) in CVID patients versus healthy controls.
• Assessment of T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire diversity.
• Correlation analysis with patient age and cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia status.

Main Results:

• CVID patients exhibit a higher frequency of Vδ1+ γδ T cells compared to controls, notably in older individuals.
• An increased proportion of effector-memory Vδ1+ γδ T cells and a more clonal TCR repertoire were observed in CVID.
• Persistent cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia was identified as the primary factor influencing Vδ1+ γδ T cell expansion and phenotype in CVID.

Conclusions:

• γδ T cell populations, particularly Vδ1+ cells, are altered in CVID patients.
• CMV infection significantly impacts γδ T cell dynamics in CVID, contributing to immune dysregulation.
• These findings enhance our understanding of γδ T cell roles in CVID-associated immune defense.