Potential regulatory role of in vitro-expanded V delta 1 T cells from human peripheral blood

• Published in: Immunologic research Vol. 56; no. 1; pp. 172 - 180
• Main Authors: Hua, Fang, Kang, Ning, Gao, Yun-An, Cui, Lian-Xian, Ba, De-Nian, He, Wei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.05.2013
• ISSN: 0257-277X; 1559-0755
• DOI: 10.1007/s12026-013-8390-2

gamma delta T cells represent a relevant proportion of T lymphocytes that express T cell receptors (TCRs) encoded by the gamma and delta T cell receptor genes. Whereas the most circulating gamma delta T cell type, V delta 2 T cells, has been described and studied intensively, the potential role of V delta 1 T cells remains largely unclear. Here, we identified that expanded peripheral blood V delta 1 T cells stimulated with anti-human TCR V delta 1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in vitro predominantly expressed forkhead box p3 (Foxp3). In addition, these cells also expressed other regulatory T cell-related molecules, such as CD25, glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family-related protein and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4), and held the potent capacity for the production of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF- beta 1). These autocrine and/or paracrine TGF- beta 1 could bind TGF- beta 1 receptors on V delta 1 T cells and induce sustained Foxp3 expression. Moreover, Foxp3 expression coincided with high CD25 expression. CD25 super(high) V delta 1 T cells exhibited stronger suppression on CD4 super(+) T cell proliferation compared with TGF- beta 1-induced CD25 super(high) CD4 super(+) regulatory T cells. Therefore, our phenotypic and functional analyses first demonstrate the potential regulatory property of anti-human TCR V delta 1 mAb-activated V delta 1 T cells. These results will broaden our understanding about the role of peripheral blood V delta 1 T cells under physical and pathological conditions.