MR1-restricted V alpha 19i mucosal-associated invariant T cells are innate T cells in the gut lamina propria that provide a rapid and diverse cytokine response.

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells reside primarily in the gut lamina propria and require commensal flora for selection/expansion. They are restricted by the highly conserved MHC class I-related molecule MR1 and, like most NK T cells, express an invariant TCRalpha chain. Although they probably contribute to gut immunity, MAIT cells have not been functionally characterized because they are so rare. To create a model in which they are more abundant, we generated transgenic mice expressing only the TCRalpha chain (Valpha19i) that defines MAIT cells. By directly comparing Valpha19i transgenic mice on MR1+/+ and MR1-/- backgrounds, we were able to distinguish and characterize a population of Valpha19i T cells dependent on MR1 for development. MR1-restricted Valpha19i transgenic T cells recapitulate what is known about MAIT cell development. Furthermore, a relatively high proportion of transgenic MAIT cells express NK1.1, and most have a cell surface phenotype similar to that of Valpha14i NK T cells. Finally, MR1-restricted Valpha19i T cells secrete IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 following TCR ligation, and we provide evidence for what may be two functionally distinct MAIT cell populations. These data strongly support the idea that MAIT cells contribute to the innate immune response in the gut mucosa.

Adhesion of human T cells to antigen-presenting cells through SIRPbeta2-CD47 interaction costimulates T-cell proliferation.

Signal-regulatory proteins (SIRPs) are transmembrane glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily that are expressed in the immune and central nervous systems. SIRPalpha binds CD47 and inhibits the function of macrophages, dendritic cells, and granulocytes, whereas SIRPbeta1 is an orphan receptor that activates the same cell types. A recently identified third member of the SIRP family, SIRPbeta2, is as yet uncharacterized in terms of expression, specificity, and function. Here, we show that SIRPbeta2 is expressed on T cells and activated natural killer (NK) cells and, like SIRPalpha, binds CD47, mediating cell-cell adhesion. Consequently, engagement of SIRPbeta2 on T cells by CD47 on antigen-presenting cells results in enhanced antigen-specific T-cell proliferation.

Impaired differentiation of osteoclasts in TREM-2-deficient individuals.

TREM-2 is an immunoglobulin-like cell surface receptor associated with DAP12/KARAP that activates monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. Recently, it has been shown that genetic defects of human DAP12/KARAP and TREM-2 result in a rare syndrome characterized by bone cysts and presenile dementia called Nasu-Hakola disease. This observation suggests that TREM-2 may function in myeloid cells other than DCs, most probably osteoclasts (OCs) and microglial cells, which are involved in bone modeling and brain function. Consistent with this prediction, here we show that OC differentiation is dramatically arrested in TREM-2-deficient patients, resulting in large aggregates of immature OCs that exhibit impaired bone resorptive activity. These results demonstrate a critical role for TREM-2 in the differentiation of mononuclear myeloid precursors into functional multinucleated OCs.