gamma delta T cells exhibit multifunctional and protective memory in intestinal tissues.

SHERIDAN BS; ROMAGNOLI PA; PHAM QM; FU HH; ALONSO F 3RD; SCHUBERT WD; FREITAG NE; LEFRANCOIS L

IMMUNITY

CELL PRESS

Lugar: United States; Año: 2013 vol. 39 p. 184 - 195

1074-7613

The study of T cell memory and the target of vaccine design have focused on memory subsumed by T cells bearing the alpha beta T cell receptor. Alternatively, gamma delta T cells are thought to provide rapid immunity, particularly at mucosal borders. Here, we have shown that a distinct subset of mucosal gamma delta T cells mounts an immune response to oral Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) infection and leads to the development of multifunctional memory T cells capable of simultaneously producing interferon-γ and interleukin-17A in the murine intestinal mucosa. Challenge infection with oral Lm, but not oral Salmonella or intravenous Lm, induced rapid expansion of memory gamma delta T cells, suggesting contextual specificity to the priming pathogen. Importantly, memory gamma delta T cells were able to provide enhanced protection against infection. These findings illustrate that gamma delta T cells play a role with hallmarks of adaptive immunity in the intestinal mucosa.