Original Article
Dermal Vγ4+ γδ T Cells Possess a Migratory Potency to the Draining Lymph Nodes and Modulate CD8+ T-Cell Activity through TNF-α Production

https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.2014.516Get rights and content
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A large number of gamma delta T cells (γδ T cells) are located within epithelial tissues including the skin. In mice, epidermal and dermal γδ T cells consist of distinct subsets and have specific roles in cutaneous immune responses. A recent study demonstrated that γδ T cells and cutaneous dendritic cells migrate from the skin to the draining lymph nodes (LNs). However, it remains unclear whether they regulate the antigen-specific immune response within the LNs. Herein, we investigated their properties and role in the LNs using the Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) infection model. In vivo cell labeling analysis revealed that most of the migratory subset comprised dermal Vγ4+ cells. This population transmigrated from the skin to the LNs in a Gi-coupled chemokine receptor–independent manner. By depleting Vγ4+ cells, the intranodal expansion of CD8+ T cell against BCG was significantly attenuated. In addition, in vitro analysis revealed that Vγ4+ cells produced TNF-α and enhanced IL-12 production by dendritic cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that dermal Vγ4+ cells are a unique subset that possesses a migratory potency to the skin-draining LNs and enhances the dendritic cell function therein.

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