B7.2-Ig fusion proteins enhance IL-4-dependent differentiation of tumor-sensitized CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors

γδ T Cells Shape Preimmune Peripheral B Cell Populations

We previously reported that selective ablation of certain γδ T cell subsets, rather than removal of all γδ T cells, strongly affects serum Ab levels in nonimmunized mice. This type of manipulation also changed T cells, including residual γδ T cells, revealing some interdependence of γδ T cell populations. For example, in mice lacking Vγ4(+) and Vγ6(+) γδ T cells (B6.TCR-Vγ4(-/-)/6(-/-)), we observed expanded Vγ1(+) cells, which changed in composition and activation and produced more IL-4 upon stimulation in vitro, increased IL-4 production by αβ T cells as well as spontaneous germinal center formation in the spleen, and elevated serum Ig and autoantibodies. We therefore examined B cell populations in this and other γδ-deficient mouse strains. Whereas immature bone marrow B cells remained largely unchanged, peripheral B cells underwent several changes. Specifically, transitional and mature B cells in the spleen of B6.TCR-Vγ4(-/-)/6(-/-) mice and other peripheral B cell populations were diminished, most of all splenic marginal zone (MZ) B cells. However, relative frequencies and absolute numbers of Ab-producing cells, as well as serum levels of Abs, IL-4, and BAFF, were increased. Cell transfers confirmed that these changes are directly dependent on the altered γδ T cells in this strain and on their enhanced potential of producing IL-4. Further evidence suggests the possibility of direct interactions between γδ T cells and B cells in the splenic MZ. Taken together, these data demonstrate the capability of γδ T cells of modulating size and productivity of preimmune peripheral B cell populations.

Regulation of the induction and function of cytotoxic T lymphocytes by natural killer T cell

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a crucial role in the infections and the antitumor immunity. Induction and activation of antigen-specific CTLs is an important strategy in immunotherapy for various diseases, and several researchers have focused on the modulation of CTL induction and function. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are an important focus area of researchers studying immunomodulatory responses to tumors and infectious diseases. CD1d-restricted NKT cells consist of type I NKT cells and type II NKT cells. α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer)-activated type I NKT cells secrete both Th1 (e.g., IFN-γ) and Th2 cytokines, affect the expression of costimulatory molecules in immune cells, and regulate the host immune system. Type II NKT cells, however, are stimulated by sulfatide, a self-glycolipid derived from myelin, and play an immunosuppressive role in animal model of autoimmune diseases. CTL generation, activation, and suppression are strongly affected by activated type I and type II NKT cells. Thus, the regulation of these NKT cells leads to the modification of CTL function. CTLs contribute to antimicrobial responses, antitumor immune and autoimmune responses. Understanding the role of NKT cells in the regulation of CTL generation, activation, and suppression enable the development of novel treatment strategies for these diseases.

Galectin-9 increases Tim-3+ dendritic cells and CD8+ T cells and enhances antitumor immunity via galectin-9-Tim-3 interactions

A Tim-3 ligand, galectin-9 (Gal-9), modulates various functions of innate and adaptive immune responses. In this study, we demonstrate that Gal-9 prolongs the survival of Meth-A tumor-bearing mice in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Although Gal-9 did not prolong the survival of tumor-bearing nude mice, transfer of naive spleen cells restored a prolonged Gal-9-induced survival in nude mice, indicating possible involvement of T cell-mediated immune responses in Gal-9-mediated antitumor activity. Gal-9 administration increased the number of IFN-gamma-producing Tim-3(+) CD8(+) T cells with enhanced granzyme B and perforin expression, although it induced CD4(+) T cell apoptosis. It simultaneously increased the number of Tim-3(+)CD86(+) mature dendritic cells (DCs) in vivo and in vitro. Coculture of CD8(+) T cells with DCs from Gal-9-treated mice increased the number of IFN-gamma producing cells and IFN-gamma production. Depletion of Tim-3(+) DCs from DCs of Gal-9-treated tumor-bearing mice decreased the number of IFN-gamma-producing CD8(+) T cells. Such DC activity was significantly abrogated by Tim-3-Ig, suggesting that Gal-9 potentiates CD8(+) T cell-mediated antitumor immunity via Gal-9-Tim-3 interactions between DCs and CD8(+) T cells.