Regulation and function of IL-17A- and IL-22-producing γδ T cells

Abstract

The regulation of IL-17A and IL-22 production differs between human and murine γδ T cells. We find that human γδ T cells expressing Vγ2Vδ2 T cell receptors are peripherally polarized to produce IL-17A or IL-22, much like CD4 αβ Th17 T cells. This requires IL-6, IL-1β, and TGF-β, whereas expansion and maintenance requires IL-23, IL-1β, and TGF-β. In contrast, IL-17A and IL-22 production by murine γδ T cells is innately programmed during thymic ontogeny but requires IL-23 and IL-1β for maintenance. Murine γδ cells producing IL-17A and IL-22 play important roles in microbial, autoimmune, and inflammatory responses. However, the roles played by human IL-17A- and IL-22-producing γδ T cells are less clear but are also likely to be important. These observations highlight differences between humans and murine γδ T cells and underscore the importance of IL-17A- and IL-22-producing γδ T cells.