Work

Functional development of γδ T cells

Year: 2013

Type: review

Abstract: The thymus generates T cells that are generally functionally immature and thus require peripheral activation for differentiation into effector lymphocytes. Notable exceptions to this rule are murine γδ T cells, many of which have been shown to acquire their functional potential during thymic development from late embryonic stages. Here, we review the underlying ontogenic processes and molecular differentiation mechanisms of murine γδ T cells, focusing on the transcriptional control of IFN-γ and IL-17 expression. We propose that functional commitment of γδ T cells occurs in "developmental windows" defined by the molecular composition of the thymic microenvironment, such as T-cell receptor (TCR), TCR coreceptor ligands, and cytokines. We further discuss the similarities and particularities of functional development of γδ T cells in mice and humans, while highlighting some key unresolved issues for future investigation.

Source: European Journal of Immunology

DOI: 10.1002/eji.201343759

Authors: Immo Prinz, Bruno Silva‐Santos, Daniel J. Pennington

Institutions: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, University of Lisbon, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Queen Mary University of London, Blizard Institute

Language: English

Topic: T-cell and B-cell Immunology

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Wellcome Trust, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft