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γδ T-cell help in responses to pathogens and in the development of systemic autoimmunity

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Abstract

Mice rendered deficient in αβ T-cells by single-gene knockout mutation show enhanced levels of autoantibody formation and even some symptoms of autoimmune disease. This is remarkable given that most experimental studies heretofore have indicated that the development of autoimmune disease is highly multigenic, requiring the complementary actions of multiple loci. The basis of the phenomenon in αβ T-cell-deficient mice appears to be the provision of help to B-cells by other cells, including γδ T-cells. Perhaps surprisingly, γδ T-cell help seems quite efficacious, particularly after infection, when it can culminate in the formation of germinal centers. Furthermore, two independent sets of studies reviewed here indicate that significant levels of self-reactive IgG can also be provoked by γδ T-cells independent of germinal center formation. The task ahead is to integrate this pathway into the physiologic immune responses of healthy individuals, immunocompromised individuals, and newborns.

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  1. Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, USA

    Li Wen

  2. Department of Internal Medicine Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, 330 Cedar Street, 06520, New Haven, CT

    Adrian C. Hayday

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Wen, L., Hayday, A.C. γδ T-cell help in responses to pathogens and in the development of systemic autoimmunity. Immunol Res 16, 229–241 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02786392

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