Abstract
Double-negative T (DNT) cells are αβTCR+CD3+CD4-CD8-NK1.1- cells that constitute a small but significant proportion of the αβTCR+ T cells. Their developmental pathway and pathological significance remain unclear. In the present study, we utilized chronic in vitro stimulation of CD4+ T cells to mimic immune hyper-activation of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus, conditions characterized by DNT cells accumulation. After approximately 4-5 rounds of stimulation, the CD3+CD4- population became apparent. These cells did not express CD8, NK1.1, γδTCR, or B220, exhibited a highly proliferative effector phenotype, and were dependent on T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation for survival. Moreover, CD3+CD4- cells expressed MHC class II-restricted αβTCR, indicative of their origin from a CD4+ T cell population. The results presented herein illustrate a novel method of DNT cell generation in vitro and suggest that immune hyper-activation could also be implicated in the genesis of the disease-associated DNT cells in vivo.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 68-74 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Cellular Immunology |
Volume | 284 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2013 |
Keywords
- CD4 co-receptor
- Double-negative T cells
- Helper T cells
- Kv1.3
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology