TGF-β controls development of TCRγδ+CD8αα+ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes

Jiajia Han 1 2, Na Liu 1, Wenwen Jin 1, Peter Zanvit 1, Dunfang Zhang 1, Junji Xu 1, Andrew Bynum 1, Rida Kazmi 1, Jianmin Zhang 3, Wei He 4, WanJun Chen 5

Cell Discov.2023 May 30;9(1):52. doi: 10.1038/s41421-023-00542-2.

PMID: 37253786

Abstract

γδ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) constitute the majority of IELs with unique CD8αα+ homodimers that are distinct from γδT cells in other tissues. However, it remains largely unclear how those cells develop. Here we show that transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling controls the development of TCRγδ+CD8αα+ IELs. Deletion of TGF-β receptors or Smad3 and Smad2 in bone marrow stem cells caused a deficiency of TCRγδ+CD8αα+ IELs in mixed bone marrow chimeric mice. Mechanistically, TGF-β is required for the development of TCRγδ+CD8αα+ IELs thymic precursors (CD44-CD25- γδ thymocytes). In addition, TGF-β signaling induced CD8α in thymic γδT cells and maintained CD8α expression and survival in TCRγδ+CD8αα+ IELs. Moreover, TGF-β also indirectly controls TCRγδ+CD8αα+ IELs by modulating the function of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Importantly, TGF-β signaling in TCRγδ+CD8αα+ IELs safeguarded the integrity of the intestinal barrier in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.