Modulation of gamma delta T cells in mouse buccal epithelium following antigen priming

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications Vol. 294; no. 3; pp. 626 - 629
• Main Authors: Otten, Kevin, Wang, Heuy-Ching, Wyde, Philip R, Klein, John R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 14.06.2002
• Subjects: Animals; Antigen Presentation; Female; Gene Expression Regulation - immunology; Genes, Immunoglobulin; Immunity, Mucosal; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mouth Mucosa - immunology; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta - genetics; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta - immunology; T-Lymphocytes - immunology
• ISSN: 0006-291X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0006-291X(02)00526-0

T cells using the gamma delta T cell receptor (TCR) are abundant in mucosal and epidermal tissues in mice. Most studies of mucosal gamma delta T cells, however, have examined cells from the intestinal mucosa, whereas little is known about the presence or function of gamma delta T cells in the oral cavity. To better understand the involvement of oral gamma delta T cells in immunity, we have characterized TCR variable gamma-gene usage in the buccal epithelium from normal mice, and from mice challenged locally with a non-replicating antigen (bovine serum albumin [BSA]) or by influenza-virus infection as a replicating antigen. Our findings demonstrate a restricted use of V gamma genes by buccal gamma delta T cells, consisting primarily of V gamma 1.2, V gamma 3, and V gamma 5, with minimal use of V gamma 2 and V gamma 4 genes. Of particular interest, 3-4 days post-antigen challenge with BSA, there was a precipitous drop in the level of expression of V gamma 1.2, V gamma 3, and V gamma 5 genes, and to a lesser extent for the V gamma 2 gene, whereas V gamma 4 gene expression increased between days 1 and 2 post-priming. In influenza-infected mice, a similar pattern was observed for the V gamma 2 and V gamma 5 genes, but not other V gamma genes. The immune-modulating effects of oral antigen exposure on buccal gamma delta T cells suggest that these cells are functionally involved in the local immune response to both replicating and non-replicating antigens in oral mucosal surfaces.