Expression of CD11c Is Associated with Unconventional Activated T Cell Subsets with High Migratory Potential

PLoS One. 2016 Apr 27;11(4):e0154253. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154253. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

CD11c is an α integrin classically employed to define myeloid dendritic cells. Although there is little information about CD11c expression on human T cells, mouse models have shown an association of CD11c expression with functionally relevant T cell subsets. In the context of genital tract infection, we have previously observed increased expression of CD11c in circulating T cells from mice and women. Microarray analyses of activated effector T cells expressing CD11c derived from naïve mice demonstrated enrichment for natural killer (NK) associated genes. Here we find that murine CD11c+ T cells analyzed by flow cytometry display markers associated with non-conventional T cell subsets, including γδ T cells and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. However, in women, only γδ T cells and CD8+ T cells were enriched within the CD11c fraction of blood and cervical tissue. These CD11c+ cells were highly activated and had greater interferon (IFN)-γ secretory capacity than CD11c- T cells. Furthermore, circulating CD11c+ T cells were associated with the expression of multiple adhesion molecules in women, suggesting that these cells have high tissue homing potential. These data suggest that CD11c expression distinguishes a population of circulating T cells during bacterial infection with innate capacity and mucosal homing potential.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Antigens, Ly / blood
  • Antigens, Ly / immunology
  • CD11c Antigen / immunology*
  • Cell Movement
  • Chlamydia Infections / blood
  • Chlamydia Infections / immunology*
  • Chlamydia muridarum / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Integrin alpha Chains / immunology
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Middle Aged
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B / blood
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B / immunology
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / blood
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Ly
  • CD11c Antigen
  • Integrin alpha Chains
  • Klrb1c protein, mouse
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily B
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta
  • alpha E integrins
  • Interferon-gamma