Development of a novel adoptive cell therapy for leukemia: characterization and optimization of gamma-delta T lymphocytes for clinical application.

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Human γδ thymocytes are functionally immature and differentiate into cytotoxic type 1 effector T cells upon IL-2/IL-15 signaling

Publication . Ribot, Julie C.; Ribeiro, Sérgio T.; Correia, Daniel V.; Sousa, Ana E.; Silva-Santos, Bruno

Cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production by human γδ T cells underlie their potent antitumor functions. However, it remains unclear where and how human γδ T cells acquire these key effector properties. Given the recent disclosure of a major contribution of the thymus to murine γδ T cell functional differentiation, in this study we have analyzed a series of human pediatric thymuses. We found that ex vivo-isolated γδ thymocytes produced negligible IFN-γ and lacked cytolytic activity against leukemia cells. However, these properties were selectively acquired upon stimulation with IL-2 or IL-15, but not IL-4 or IL-7. Unexpectedly, TCR activation was dispensable for these stages of functional differentiation. The effects of IL-2/IL-15 depended on MAPK/ERK signaling and induced de novo expression of the transcription factors T-bet and eomesodermin, as well as the cytolytic enzyme perforin, required for the cytotoxic type 1 program. These findings have implications for the manipulation of γδ T cells in cancer immunotherapy.

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Entidade financiadora

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

Programa de financiamento

3599-PPCDT

Número da atribuição

EXPL/BIM-ONC/0490/2012