Abstract
Mice exposed to aerosolized ovalbumin (OVA) develop increased airway responsiveness when deficient in γδ T cells. This finding suggests that γδ T cells function as negative regulators. The regulatory influence of γδ T cells is evident after OVA-sensitization and -challenge, and after OVA-challenge alone, but not in untreated mice. With aerosolized Abs to target pulmonary T cells, we now demonstrate that negative regulation of airway responsiveness is mediated by a small subpopulation of pulmonary γδ T cells. These cells express Vγ4 and depend in their function on the presence of IFN-γ and MHC class I. Moreover, their effect can be demonstrated in the absence of αβ T cells. This novel type of negative regulation seems to precede the development of the adaptive, antigen-specific allergic response.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 8850-8855 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Volume | 99 |
Issue number | 13 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 25 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General