NK-like CD8⁺ γδ T cells are expanded in persistent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

ABSTRACT: The response of gamma delta (γδ) T cells in the acute versus chronic phases of the same infection is unclear. How γδ T cells function in acute Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is well characterized, but their response during persistent Mtb infection is not well understood, even though most infections with Mtb manifest as a chronic, clinically asymptomatic state. Here, we analyze peripheral blood γδ T cells from a South African adolescent cohort and show that a unique CD8⁺ γδ T cell subset with features of "memory inflation" expands in chronic Mtb infection. These cells are hyporesponsive to T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signaling but, like NK cells, can mount robust CD16-mediated cytotoxic responses. These CD8⁺ γδ T cells comprise a highly focused TC

SUBMITTER: Roy Chowdhury R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10408713 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature