αβγδ T cells play a vital role in fetal human skin development and immunity
Open Access
- 9 February 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Rockefeller University Press in The Journal of Experimental Medicine
- Vol. 218 (4)
- https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20201189
Abstract
T cells in human skin play an important role in the immune defense against pathogens and tumors. T cells are present already in fetal skin, where little is known about their cellular phenotype and biological function. Using single-cell analyses, we identified a naive T cell population expressing αβ and γδ T cell receptors (TCRs) that was enriched in fetal skin and intestine but not detected in other fetal organs and peripheral blood. TCR sequencing data revealed that double-positive (DP) αβγδ T cells displayed little overlap of CDR3 sequences with single-positive αβ T cells. Gene signatures, cytokine profiles and in silico receptor–ligand interaction studies indicate their contribution to early skin development. DP αβγδ T cells were phosphoantigen responsive, suggesting their participation in the protection of the fetus against pathogens in intrauterine infections. Together, our analyses unveil a unique cutaneous T cell type within the native skin microenvironment and point to fundamental differences in the immune surveillance between fetal and adult human skin.Funding Information
- Austrian Science Fund (P31485-B30, W1248-B30, KLI716-B30)
- Jubiläumsfonds der Oesterreichischen Nationalbank (16905)
- Medical Scientific Fund of the Mayor of the City of Vienna (17062)
- Hochschuljubiläumsstiftung der Stadt Wien (H-320752/2019)
- Austrian Science Fund (FWF M2403)
- European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO ALTF 241-2017)
- Foundation René Touraine-Celgene
- European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
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