Abstract
Vγ9Vδ2 T lymphocytes recognize nonpeptidic antigens without presentation by MHC molecules and display pleiotropic features. Here we report that coculture of Vγ9Vδ2 cells with phosphoantigen and IL-21 leads to selective expression of the transcription repressor Bcl-6 and polarization toward a lymphocyte subset displaying features of follicular B-helper T (T(FH)) cells. T(FH)-like Vγ9Vδ2 cells have a predominant central memory (CD27(+)CD45RA(-)) phenotype and express ICOS, CD40L and CXCR5. Upon antigen activation, they secrete IL-4, IL-10 and CXCL13, and provide B-cell help for antibody production in vitro. Our findings delineate a subset of human Vγ9Vδ2 lymphocytes, which, upon interaction with IL-21-producing CD4 T(FH) cells and B cells in secondary lymphoid organs, is implicated in the production of high affinity antibodies against microbial pathogens.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Retracted Publication
MeSH terms
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Antibody Affinity / drug effects
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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CD4 Antigens / metabolism
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Cell Differentiation / drug effects*
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Cell Movement / drug effects
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Cell Proliferation / drug effects
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Chemokines / biosynthesis
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
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Humans
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Immunoglobulin delta-Chains / metabolism*
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Immunoglobulin gamma-Chains / metabolism*
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Interleukins / pharmacology*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6
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T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology*
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T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / drug effects
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T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*
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T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / metabolism
Substances
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BCL6 protein, human
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CD4 Antigens
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Chemokines
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Immunoglobulin delta-Chains
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Immunoglobulin gamma-Chains
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Interleukins
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6
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interleukin-21