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CD161(++) CD8(+) T cells represent a novel subset that is dominated in adult peripheral blood by mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, as defined by the expression of a variable-α chain 7.2 (Vα7.2)-Jα33 TCR, and IL-18Rα. Stimulation with IL-18+IL-12 is known to induce IFN-γ by both NK cells and, to a more limited extent, T cells. Here, we show the CD161(++) CD8(+) T-cell population is the primary T-cell population triggered by this mechanism. Both CD161(++) Vα7.2(+) and CD161(++) Vα7.2(-) T-cell subsets responded to IL-12+IL-18 stimulation, demonstrating this response was not restricted to the MAIT cells, but to the CD161(++) phenotype. Bacteria and TLR agonists also indirectly triggered IFN-γ expression via IL-12 and IL-18. These data show that CD161(++) T cells are the predominant T-cell population that responds directly to IL-12+IL-18 stimulation. Furthermore, our findings broaden the potential role of MAIT cells beyond bacterial responsiveness to potentially include viral infections and other inflammatory stimuli.

Original publication

DOI

10.1002/eji.201343509

Type

Journal article

Journal

Eur J Immunol

Publication Date

01/2014

Volume

44

Pages

195 - 203

Keywords

CD161++ T cells, IL-12, IL-18, MAIT cells, T cells, CD8 Antigens, Cell Line, Cell Separation, Flow Cytometry, Humans, Interferon-gamma, Interleukin-12, Interleukin-18, Lymphocyte Activation, Mucous Membrane, NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B, Natural Killer T-Cells, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta, Receptors, Interleukin-18, T-Lymphocyte Subsets