Dermal IL‐17‐producing γδ T cells establish long‐lived memory in the skin

T Hartwig, S Pantelyushin, AL Croxford… - European journal of …, 2015 - Wiley Online Library
T Hartwig, S Pantelyushin, AL Croxford, P Kulig, B Becher
European journal of immunology, 2015Wiley Online Library
Conventional αβ T cells have the ability to form a long‐lasting resident memory T‐cell (TRM)
population in nonlymphoid tissues after encountering foreign antigen. Conversely, the
concept of 'innate memory', where the ability of nonadaptive branches of the immune system
to deliver a rapid, strengthened immune response upon reinfection or rechallenge, is just
emerging. Using the αβ T‐cell‐independent Aldara psoriasis mouse model in combination
with genetic fate‐mapping and reporter systems, we identified a subset of γδ T cells in mice …
Conventional αβ T cells have the ability to form a long‐lasting resident memory T‐cell (TRM) population in nonlymphoid tissues after encountering foreign antigen. Conversely, the concept of ‘innate memory’, where the ability of nonadaptive branches of the immune system to deliver a rapid, strengthened immune response upon reinfection or rechallenge, is just emerging. Using the αβ T‐cell‐independent Aldara psoriasis mouse model in combination with genetic fate‐mapping and reporter systems, we identified a subset of γδ T cells in mice that is capable of establishing a long‐lived memory population in the skin. IL‐17A/F‐producing Vγ4+Vδ4+ T cells populate and persist in the dermis for long periods of time after initial stimulation with Aldara. Experienced Vγ4+Vδ4+ cells show enhanced effector functions and mediate an exacerbated secondary inflammatory response. In addition to identifying a unique feature of γδ T cells during inflammation, our results have direct relevance to the human disease as this quasi‐innate memory provides a mechanistic insight into relapses and chronification of psoriasis.
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