Author Correction: γδ T cells producing interleukin-17A regulate adipose regulatory T cell homeostasis and thermogenesis

The immunomodulatory effects of social isolation in mice are linked to temperature control

Living in isolation is considered an emerging societal problem that negatively affects the physical wellbeing of its sufferers in ways that we are just starting to appreciate. This study investigates the immunomodulatory effects of social isolation in mice, utilising a two-week program of sole cage occupancy followed by the testing of immune-inflammatory resilience to bacterial sepsis. Our results revealed that mice housed in social isolation showed an increased ability to clear bacterial infection compared to control socially housed animals. These effects were associated with specific changes in whole blood gene expression profile and an increased production of classical pro-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, equipping socially isolated mice with artificial nests as a substitute for their natural huddling behaviour reversed the increased resistance to bacterial sepsis. Together these results suggest that the control of body temperature through social housing and huddling behaviour are important factors in the regulation of the host immune response to infection in mice and might provide another example of the many ways by which living conditions influence immunity.

Tissue distribution of γδ T cell subsets in oesophageal adenocarcinoma

The global obesity epidemic is contributing to increased prevalence of diseases fuelled by chronic inflammation, including cancer. Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is an obesity-associated malignancy with increasing prevalence, dismal prognosis, and severely dysregulated immune processes. We previously reported that αβ T cells migrate to omentum and liver in OAC and contribute to inflammation in these tissues. Here, we assessed the tissue distribution and phenotype of gamma/delta (γδ) T cells in the blood, omentum, liver and tumour of OAC patients. Our data show that the Vδ1 and Vδ3 subsets of γδ T cells are most prevalent in omentum and liver of OAC patients. Furthermore, γδ T cells are predominantly pro-inflammatory in these tissues, and co-express IFN-γ and IL-17. Moreover, γδ T cells exhibit cytotoxic capabilities in OAC omentum and liver. This study provides the first indication that γδ T cells contribute to obesity-associated inflammation in OAC and might be exploited therapeutically.