β2-Microglobulin-dependent NK1.1+ T cells are not essential for T helper cell 2 immune responses

Daniel R. Brown, Deborah J. Fowell, David B. Corry, Thomas A. Wynn, Naomi H. Moskowitz, Allen W. Cheever, Richard M. Locksley, Steven L. Reiner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

193 Scopus citations

Abstract

A number of investigation have established the critical role of interleukin 4 (IL-4) in mediating the development of T helper (Th)2 effector cells in vitro and in vivo. Despite intensive study, the origin of the IL-4 required for Th2 priming and differentiation remains unclear. Natural killer (NK)1.1+ α/β T cell receptor+ T (NT) cells, a unique lineage of cells capable of producing large amounts of IL-4 after activation in vivo, are important candidates for directing Th2 priming. These cells are selected by the nonpolymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule, CD1, and are deficient in β2-microglobulin (β2m)-null mice. We used Th2 immune responses after challenge with a number of well-characterized antigens administered by a variety of routes. As assessed by immunization with protein antigen, infection with Leishmania major, embolization with eggs of Schistosoma mansoni, intestinal infection with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, or induction of airway hyperactivity to aerosolized antigen, β2m-deficient mice developed functional type 2 immune responses that were not substantially different than those in wild-type mice. Production of IL-4 and the generation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophil responses were preserved as assessed by a variety of assays. Collectively, these results present a comprehensive analysis of type 2 immune responses in β2m-deficient mice, and indicate that β2m-dependent NT cells are not required for Th2 development in vivo.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1295-1304
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine
Volume184
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'β2-Microglobulin-dependent NK1.1+ T cells are not essential for T helper cell 2 immune responses'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this