Functionally Distinct Subsets of CD1d-restricted Natural Killer T Cells Revealed by CD1d Tetramer Staining
Brigham and Women's Hospital · Harvard University · +1 more institution
Abstract
CD1d-restricted natural killer (NK)T cells are known to potently secrete T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cytokines and to mediate cytolysis, but it is unclear how these contrasting functional activities are regulated. Using lipid antigen-loaded CD1d tetramers, we have distinguished two subsets of CD1d-restricted T cells in fresh peripheral blood that differ in cytokine production and cytotoxic activation. One subset, which was CD4(-), selectively produced the Th1 cytokines interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha, and expressed NKG2d, a marker associated with cytolysis of microbially infected and neoplastic cells. This subset up-regulated perforin after exposure to interleukin (IL)-2 or IL-12. In contrast,…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 11.67
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 64
Authors
4Topics & keywords
- Perforin
- CD1D
- Natural killer T cell
- Biology
- Cytotoxic T cell
- Interleukin 21
- Cytokine
- Immunology
- Good health and well-being