Cutting edge: Identification of a motile IL-17-producing gammadelta T cell population in the dermis.

ABSTRACT: Dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs) are a well-studied population of ?? T cells that play important roles in wound repair. In this study, we characterize a second major population of ?? T cells in the skin that is present in the dermis. In contrast to DETCs, these V?5-negative cells are IL-7R(hi)CCR6(hi) retinoic acid-related orphan receptor ?t(+) and are precommitted to IL-17 production. Dermal ?? T cells fail to reconstitute following irradiation and bone marrow transplantation unless the mice also receive a transfer of neonatal thymocytes. Real-time intravital imaging of CXCR6(GFP/+) mouse skin reveals dermal ?? T cells migrate at ?4 ?m/min, whereas DETCs are immobile. Like their counterparts in peripheral lymph nodes, dermal ?? T cells rapidly produce IL-17 following exposure to IL-1? plus IL-23. We have characterized a major population of skin ?? T cells and propose that these cells are a key source of IL-17 in the early hours after skin infection.

SUBMITTER: Gray EE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3098921 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature