Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Vertebrate immune systems contain T cells bearing either alpha beta or gamma delta T-cell antigen receptors (TCRs). alpha beta T cells perform all well-characterized T-cell effector functions, while the biological functions of gamma delta + cells remain unclear. Of particular interest is the role of gamma delta + cells during epithelial infections, since gamma delta + cells are commonly abundant within epithelia. Eimeria spp. are intracellular protozoa that infect epithelia of most vertebrates, causing coccidiosis. This study shows that in response to Eimeria vermiformis, mice lacking alpha beta T cells display defects in protective immunity, while mice lacking gamma delta + cells display exaggerated intestinal damage, apparently due to a failure to regulate the consequences of the alpha beta T cell response. An immuno-downregulatory role during infection, and during autoimmune disease, may be a general one for gamma delta + cells.

Original publication

DOI

10.1073/pnas.93.21.11774

Type

Journal article

Journal

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Publication Date

15/10/1996

Volume

93

Pages

11774 - 11779

Keywords

Adoptive Transfer, Animals, CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Coccidiosis, Eimeria, Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage, Intestinal Diseases, Intestinal Mucosa, Intestine, Small, Lymph Nodes, Lymphocyte Transfusion, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Inbred Strains, Mice, Knockout, Phenotype, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta, T-Lymphocytes