Differential expansion of gamma delta T cells

Washington State University, Pullman WA

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Research Proposal: Type I interferons have been shown to lead to differential expansion of subsets of gammadelta T lymphocytes in cattle. The mechanism of this expansion has not been identified, but the direct anti-proliferative effect of type I interferons on T lymphocytes indicates that type I interferon must have additional mechanisms to stimulate expansion of CD8+ gammadelta T cells. Type I interferons induce IL-15 production by dendritic cells and have been shown to stimulate selective expansion of CD8+ aphabeta T cells in mice. The selective expansion in mice correlated with higher density of some subunits of the IL-15 receptors on the cell surface. We propose to examine the mechanism(s) of selective expansion of CD8+ gammadelta T cells in response to type I interferon. We will investigate the hypothesis that WCI CD8+ gammadelta T cells preferentially expand in culture with type I IFN as a result of higher density of surface expression of one or more subunits of the IL-15 receptor on this cell subset. The use of cattle allows easier access to high numbers of gammadelta T cells and provides a previously described system with CD8+ and CD8 populations of gammadelta T cells respond differently in culture with type I interferons. This project will allow a better understanding of gammadelta T cell biology with the long-term goal of targeting certain lymphocyte subsets in the development of immune responses. The Candidate: The candidate is a veterinarian completing a residency in comparative anatomical pathology and is a Ph.D. candidate. The candidate has completed most of his pathology residency, didactic course work, and is actively involved in the research phase of a combined residency/PhD program. This proposal constitutes his plan to complete doctoral research focusing on the immunology at Washington State University. Environment: The Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology provides both modern research facilities for infectious disease research and a highly interactive training environment including intra- and interdisciplinary graduate education, residency programs, and extensive collaboration both within and outside the university. The sponsors collaborate closely in research and have successfully mentored clinicians, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows to research independence.