Salta al contenuto principale
Passa alla visualizzazione normale.

MATILDE TODARO

IL-21 regulates the differentiation of a human γδ T cell subset equipped with B cell helper activity.

  • Autori: Caccamo, N; Todaro, M; La Manna, MP; Sireci, G; Stassi, G; Dieli, F
  • Anno di pubblicazione: 2012
  • Tipologia: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
  • Parole Chiave: IL-21, differentiation, Vγ9Vδ2 T lymphocytes
  • OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/65899

Abstract

Vγ9Vδ2 T lymphocytes recognize nonpeptidic antigens without presentation by MHC molecules and display pleiotropic features. Here we report that coculture of Vγ9Vδ2 cells with phosphoantigen and IL-21 leads to selective expression of the transcription repressor Bcl-6 and polarization toward a lymphocyte subset displaying features of follicular B-helper T (T(FH)) cells. T(FH) like Vγ9Vδ2 cells have a predominant central memory (CD27(+)CD45RA(-)) phenotype and express ICOS, CD40L and CXCR5. Upon antigen activation, they secrete IL-4, IL-10 and CXCL13, and provide B-cell help for antibody production in vitro. Our findings delineate a subset of human Vγ9Vδ2 lymphocytes, which, upon interaction with IL-21-producing CD4 T(FH) cells and B cells in secondary lymphoid organs, is implicated in the production of high affinity antibodies against microbial pathogens.