Characterization of IL-17A-Secreting CD8 T Cells
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IL-17A-secreting CD4 T cells (Th17 cells) have been demonstrated to play pivotal roles in modulating immune responses during various types to infectious and autoimmune diseases. While 1L-17A secreting CD8 T cells have been detected in numerous disease models, much less is known about them. In this thesis, the differentiation conditions and effector functions of IL-17A-secreting CD8 T cells have been examined. In order to differentiate naïve CD8 T cells into IL-17A secretors, TGF-β, IL-6, and neutralization of IFN-γ are required as in Th17 cells. IL-17A-secreting CD8 T cells produce the effector cytokines, IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-22, but do not produce granzyme B, implicating the lack of cytotoxicity. Furthermore, IL-17A-secreting CD8 T cells can respond to exogenous cytokines without a cognate antigen, suggesting that they can act in an innate fashion. Collectively, IL-17A-secreting CD8 T cells possess the same effector functions as Th17 cells, and thus may play as significant roles in various diseases at Th17 cells.