The intraepithelial T cell response to NKG2D-ligands links lymphoid stress surveillance to atopy

J Strid, O Sobolev, B Zafirova, B Polic, A Hayday - Science, 2011 - science.org
J Strid, O Sobolev, B Zafirova, B Polic, A Hayday
Science, 2011science.org
Epithelial cells respond to physicochemical damage with up-regulation of major
histocompatibility complex–like ligands that can activate the cytolytic potential of
neighboring intraepithelial T cells by binding the activating receptor, NKG2D. The systemic
implications of this lymphoid stress-surveillance response, however, are unknown. We found
that antigens encountered at the same time as cutaneous epithelial stress induced strong
primary and secondary systemic, T helper 2 (TH2)–associated atopic responses in mice …
Epithelial cells respond to physicochemical damage with up-regulation of major histocompatibility complex–like ligands that can activate the cytolytic potential of neighboring intraepithelial T cells by binding the activating receptor, NKG2D. The systemic implications of this lymphoid stress-surveillance response, however, are unknown. We found that antigens encountered at the same time as cutaneous epithelial stress induced strong primary and secondary systemic, T helper 2 (TH2)–associated atopic responses in mice. These responses required NKG2D-dependent communication between dysregulated epithelial cells and tissue-associated lymphoid cells. These data are germane to uncertainty over the afferent induction of TH2 responses and provide a molecular framework for considering atopy as an important component of the response to tissue damage and carcinogenesis.
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