Professional Antigen-Presentation Function by Human γδ T Cells

Abstract

Human γδ T cells are considered to play a vital role in protective immunity through cytokine secretion and cytotoxic activity. We report that cells expressing the Vγ2Vδ2 ⁺ –T cell receptor (Vδ2 ⁺ T cells) also display principal characteristics of professional antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells. Thus, when activated, these cells efficiently processed and displayed antigens and provided co-stimulatory signals sufficient for strong induction of naïve αβ T cell proliferation and differentiation. We suggest that, upon microbial activation, Vδ2 ⁺ T cells participate in the induction of adaptive immune responses and that these cells may be a useful tool in vaccine development and immunotherapy.