γδ T cells present antigen to CD4+ αβ T cells

Abstract

Gammadelta and alphabeta TCR+ T cells share many properties and their interactions are likely to be coordinated and regulated. We provide evidence that cattle gammadelta T cells are able to present antigen to CD4+ T cells. To help elucidate their function gammadelta T cell lines were propagated for extensive characterization. Cells expressed high levels of MHC class II and production of co-stimulatory molecules as evidenced by the binding of a CTLA-4 fusion protein and synthesis of CD80 transcripts. These properties and the presence of a well-developed endosomal compartment indicated the cells might function as antigen-presenting cells. Resting CD4+ T cells from calves immunized with ovalbumin or respiratory syncytial virus-antigen proliferated in response to gammadelta T cells pulsed with antigen that appeared to be endocytosed via clathrin-coated pits or specific receptors.