CD 161 ++ CD 8 + T cells, including the MAIT cell subset, are specifically activated by IL ‐12+ IL ‐18 in a TCR ‐independent manner

CD161(++) CD8(+) T cells represent a novel subset that is dominated in adult peripheral blood by mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, as defined by the expression of a variable-α chain 7.2 (Vα7.2)-Jα33 TCR, and IL-18Rα. Stimulation with IL-18+IL-12 is known to induce IFN-γ by both NK cells and, to a more limited extent, T cells. Here, we show the CD161(++) CD8(+) T-cell population is the primary T-cell population triggered by this mechanism. Both CD161(++) Vα7.2(+) and CD161(++) Vα7.2(-) T-cell subsets responded to IL-12+IL-18 stimulation, demonstrating this response was not restricted to the MAIT cells, but to the CD161(++) phenotype. Bacteria and TLR agonists also indirectly triggered IFN-γ…

• WT
  Wellcome Trust

  Award: WT091663MA
• NI
  National Institute for Health and Care Research
• NI
  National Institutes of Health
• NI
  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases