Granzyme B is critical for T cell receptor-induced cell death of type 2 helper T cells

Immunity. 2006 Aug;25(2):237-47. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2006.06.011. Epub 2006 Aug 10.

Abstract

Although CD95L is required for T cell receptor (TCR)-induced cell death (TCR-ICD) in T helper 1 cells, the molecular mechanisms mediating TCR-ICD in Th2 cells are unknown. We found that death receptors were not involved in TCR-ICD of Th2 cells because blocking their cognate ligands had no effect on apoptosis of activated Th2 cells. Furthermore, we showed that caspases were not actively involved in TCR-ICD of Th2 cells. However, inhibition of granzyme B (GrB) activity abolished TCR-ICD in Th2 cells but not Th1 cells. Likewise, Th2 cells derived from GrB-deficient mice were resistant to TCR-ICD, and GrB deficiency or inhibition of GrB activity consequently enhanced the production of Th2 cytokines. GrB-deficient mice exhibited increased susceptibility to allergen-induced asthma. Thus, GrB plays a critical role in the TCR-ICD of Th2 cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / immunology*
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Asthma / pathology
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Female
  • Granzymes
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology*
  • Serine Endopeptidases / deficiency
  • Serine Endopeptidases / genetics
  • Serine Endopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Th1 Cells / cytology
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / cytology*
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism*
  • Time Factors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Granzymes
  • Gzmb protein, mouse
  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • Caspases