Homotypic T-cell/T-cell interaction induces T-cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation

Ramming, A., Thümmler, K. , Schulze-Koops, H. and Skapenko, A. (2009) Homotypic T-cell/T-cell interaction induces T-cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. Human Immunology, 70(11), pp. 873-881. (doi: 10.1016/j.humimm.2009.08.003) (PMID:19682527)

Abstract

Activated CD4 T cells might induce T-cell activation from CD4 resting T cells in the absence of antigen presenting cells through interaction of activation-induced surface molecules (e.g., CD80, CD86, CD70, major histocompatibility complex class II) and their ligands constitutively expressed on resting T cells. Supporting this hypothesis, CD4 memory T cells proliferated in response to contact with activated T cells and expressed activation markers, such as CD25, CD30, and CD69. Analysis of their cytokine profile revealed differentiation of interleukin (IL)–10 and interferon-γ double-producing cells in response to contact with activated T helper (Th) 1 effector cells, and interleukin (IL)–4-producing cells in response to contact with activated Th2 effector cells. Whereas neutralization of interferon–γ or IL-4 during co-culture did not diminish the frequency of the arising cytokine-producing cells, separation of the responder cells from effector cells significantly decreased cytokine secretion. Specific blocking of particular receptor/ligand interactions denoted above could not prevent cytokine production induced by T-cell/T-cell interaction. However, blockade of all of the receptor/counterreceptor pairs significantly inhibited cytokine production, although not completely. Given the immunomodulatory capacity of IL-4 and IL-10, these findings might indicate a novel contact dependent negative feedback mechanism to control T-cell–driven immunity.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Muecklisch, Dr Katja
• Authors: Ramming, A., Thümmler, K., Schulze-Koops, H., and Skapenko, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
• Journal Name: Human Immunology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0198-8859
• ISSN (Online): 1879-1166
• Published Online: 12 August 2009