Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #267143

Title: Gamma delta T cells recognize a microbial encoded B Cell antigen to initiate a rapid antigen-specific Interleukin-17 response

Author
item ZENG, XUN - Stanford University
item WEI, YU-LING - Stanford University
item HUANG, JUN - Stanford University
item NEWELL, EVAN - Stanford University
item YU, HONGXIANG - Stanford University
item KIDD, BRIAN - Stanford University
item KUHNS, MICHAEL - Stanford University
item Waters, Wade
item DAVIS, MARK - Stanford University
item WEAVER, CASEY - University Of Alabama
item CHIEN, YUEH-HSIU - Stanford University

Submitted to: Immunity
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/5/2012
Publication Date: 9/21/2012
Citation: Zeng, X., Wei, Y., Huang, J., Newell, E.W., Yu, H., Kidd, B.A., Kuhns, M.S., Waters, W.R., Davis, M.M., Weaver, C.T., Chien, Y. 2012. Gamma delta T cells recognize a microbial encoded B Cell antigen to initiate a rapid antigen-specific Interleukin-17 response. Immunity. 37(3):524-534.

Interpretive Summary: Despite highly successful eradication efforts in several countries, tuberculosis of cattle remains a serious health concern worldwide. In addition, recent outbreaks of tuberculosis in various states demonstrate that the disease is far from eliminated from the United States. Improved techniques are needed for detection of infected cattle as well as improved control strategies (e.g., vaccines). To develop improved tests and vaccines, it is beneficial to first understand the nature of bovine immune responses. In this study, a cell type involved in both adaptive and innate immune responses of cattle to various infectious agents was characterized. This basic information will be useful for development of improved tests and vaccines for cattle.

Technical Abstract: Gamma delta T cells contribute uniquely to host immune defense, but the way in which they do so remains an enigma. Here we show that an algae protein, phycoerythrin (PE) is recognized by gamma delta T cells from mice, bovine and humans and binds directly to specific gamma delta T cell antigen receptors (TCRs). Analysis of PE-specific gamma delta T cells in immune response indicates that antigen recognition is necessary to activate these cells. Unlike alpha beta T cells, PE-specific gamma delta T cells do not require extensive proliferation before developing an IL-17 function, but antigen recognition induces gamma delta T cells to express inflammatory cytokine receptors. These results suggest that specific antimicrobial gamma delta T cell response can be initiated swiftly, sustained and perpetuated at the onset of an acute infection.