Characterization of circulating gamma-delta T cells in relapsing vs remission multiple sclerosis

• Published in: Journal of neuroimmunology 2018-05, Vol.318, p.65-71
• Main Authors: Monteiro, Andreia, Cruto, Catarina, Rosado, Pedro, Martinho, António, Rosado, Luiza, Fonseca, Mafalda, Paiva, Artur
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0165-5728; 1872-8421
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.02.009

We characterized circulating gamma-delta T cells in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, during remission and relapse phases. In relapse, we observed a decrease of circulating CCR5+ γδ TEMRA cell subset, together with a decrease in EOMES and granzyme B mRNA expression in γδ T cells, suggesting a reduction of the cytotoxic potential of this subset. Moreover, we also found a higher frequency of IFNγ+ γδ T cells, which may indicate that these cells are assuming a more regulatory function associated to a Th1 profile. These results suggest a specific release from the periphery of a particular γδ T cell subset, expressing CCR5 and belonging to an effector compartment, supporting the idea that γδ T cells could play a role in MS relapse. [Display omitted] •γδ T cells stratification in naïve (γδ Tnaive), central memory (γδ TCM), effector memory (γδ TEM) and terminally differentiated effector memory (γδ TEMRA), and particularly among those that express CCR5, was relevant for this study;•Circulating CCR5+ γδ TEMRA cells were decreased in relapse RRMS patients;•Circulating γδ T cells from relapse RRMS patients exhibit a lower EOMES and granzyme B mRNA expression and a higher frequency of IFNγ producing cells.