CD4+ T cells persist for years in the human small intestine and display a TH1 cytokine profile

Mucosal Immunol. 2021 Mar;14(2):402-410. doi: 10.1038/s41385-020-0315-5. Epub 2020 Jun 22.

Abstract

Studies in mice and humans have shown that CD8+ T cell immunosurveillance in non-lymphoid tissues is dominated by resident populations. Whether CD4+ T cells use the same strategies to survey peripheral tissues is less clear. Here, examining the turnover of CD4+ T cells in transplanted duodenum in humans, we demonstrate that the majority of CD4+ T cells were still donor-derived one year after transplantation. In contrast to memory CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood, intestinal CD4+ TRM cells expressed CD69 and CD161, but only a minor fraction expressed CD103. Functionally, intestinal CD4+ TRM cells were very potent cytokine producers; the vast majority being polyfunctional TH1 cells, whereas a minor fraction produced IL-17. Interestingly, a fraction of intestinal CD4+ T cells produced granzyme-B and perforin after activation. Together, we show that the intestinal CD4+ T-cell compartment is dominated by resident populations that survive for more than 1 year. This finding is of high relevance for the development of oral vaccines and therapies for diseases in the gut.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory
  • Intestine, Small / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • Cytokines