Gamma delta T cell help of B cells is induced by repeated parasitic infection, in the absence of other T cells.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
BACKGROUND: gamma delta T cells, like alpha beta T cells, are components of all well-studied vertebrate immune systems. Yet, the contribution of gamma delta T cells to immune responses is poorly characterized. In particular, it has not been resolved whether gamma delta cells, independent of any other T cells, can help B cells produce immunoglobulin and form germinal centers, anatomical foci of specialized T cell-B cell collaboration. RESULTS: TCR beta-/- mice, which lack all T cells except gamma delta T cells, routinely displayed higher levels of antibody than fully T cell-deficient mice. Repeated parasitic infection of TCR beta-/- mice, but not of T cell-deficient mice, increased antibody levels and induced germinal centers that contained B cells and monoclonal gamma delta cells in close juxtaposition. However, antibody specificities were more commonly against self than against the challenging pathogen. gamma delta T cell-B cell help was not induced by repeated inoculation of TCR beta-/- mice with mycobacterial antigens. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of any other T cells, gamma delta T cell-B cell collaboration can be significantly enhanced by repeated infection. However, the lack of obvious enrichment for antibodies against the challenging pathogen distinguishes gamma delta T cell help from alpha beta T cell help induced under analogous circumstances. The increased production of generalized antibodies may be particularly relevant to the development of autoimmunity, which commonly occurs in patients suffering from alpha beta T cell deficiencies, such as AIDS.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Pao, W; Wen, L; Smith, AL; Gulbranson-Judge, A; Zheng, B; Kelsoe, G; MacLennan, IC; Owen, MJ; Hayday, AC
Published Date
- October 1, 1996
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 6 / 10
Start / End Page
- 1317 - 1325
PubMed ID
- 8939571
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0960-9822
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/s0960-9822(02)70718-5
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- England