Abstract

In numbers, gamma delta T cells represent a significant component of the immune system in widely diverged vertebrates, including humans. Their function in the body remains, however, unknown. We proposed in 1988 that they were in large part responsible for the protection of surface epithelia against primary infection, reasoning that they may recognize 'stress' antigens. While much data supports this assessment, there is still very little data concerning what happens when animal epithelia are systematically infected. This study focuses on the response of gamma delta T cells to protozoans that infect animals across the vertebrate phylum. The experiments will be supported by others that will identify the proteins on other cells that are recognized by gamma delta T cells. Together, these experiments will help us understand how this newly-discovered set of lymphocytes helps protect animals from disease.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01AI027855-07S1
Application #
2327162
Study Section
Experimental Immunology Study Section (EI)
Project Start
1989-04-01
Project End
1996-12-31
Budget Start
1996-09-15
Budget End
1996-12-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
1996
Total Cost
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
Yale University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
082359691
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06520

  Publications

Laky, Karen; Lewis, Julia M; Tigelaar, Robert E et al. (2003) Distinct requirements for IL-7 in development of TCR gamma delta cells during fetal and adult life. J Immunol 170:4087-94
Bockenstedt, L K; Kang, I; Chang, C et al. (2001) CD4+ T helper 1 cells facilitate regression of murine Lyme carditis. Infect Immun 69:5264-9
Girardi, M; Oppenheim, D E; Steele, C R et al. (2001) Regulation of cutaneous malignancy by gammadelta T cells. Science 294:605-9
Smith, A L; Hayday, A C (2000) An alphabeta T-cell-independent immunoprotective response towards gut coccidia is supported by gammadelta cells. Immunology 101:325-32
Smith, A L; Hayday, A C (2000) Genetic dissection of primary and secondary responses to a widespread natural pathogen of the gut, Eimeria vermiformis. Infect Immun 68:6273-80
Smith, A L; Hayday, A C (1998) Genetic analysis of the essential components of the immunoprotective response to infection with Eimeria vermiformis. Int J Parasitol 28:1061-9
Peng, S L; Cappadona, J; McNiff, J M et al. (1998) Pathogenesis of autoimmunity in alphabeta T cell-deficient lupus-prone mice. Clin Exp Immunol 111:107-16
Mallick-Wood, C A; Lewis, J M; Richie, L I et al. (1998) Conservation of T cell receptor conformation in epidermal gammadelta cells with disrupted primary Vgamma gene usage. Science 279:1729-33
Dianda, L; Hanby, A M; Wright, N A et al. (1997) T cell receptor-alpha beta-deficient mice fail to develop colitis in the absence of a microbial environment. Am J Pathol 150:91-7
Peng, S L; McNiff, J M; Madaio, M P et al. (1997) alpha beta T cell regulation and CD40 ligand dependence in murine systemic autoimmunity. J Immunol 158:2464-70

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