Investigating Vα7.2+/CD161− T Cell and MAIT Cell Profiles Using Flow Cytometry in Healthy Subjects and Subjects with Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

This study investigates the roles of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and Vα7.2+/CD161− T cells in skin diseases, focusing on atopic dermatitis. MAIT cells, crucial for bridging innate and adaptive immunity, were analyzed alongside Vα7.2+/CD161− T cells in peripheral blood samples from 14 atopic dermatitis patients and 10 healthy controls. Flow cytometry and machine learning algorithms were employed for a comprehensive analysis. The results indicate a significant decrease in MAIT cells and CD69 subsets in atopic dermatitis, coupled with elevated CD38 and polyfunctional MAIT cells producing TNFα and Granzyme B (TNFα+/GzB+). Vα7.2+/CD161− T cells in atopic dermatitis exhibited a decrease in CD8 and IFNγ-producing subsets but an increase in CD38 activated and IL-22-producing subsets. These results highlight the distinctive features of MAIT cells and Vα7.2+/CD161− T cells and their different roles in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and provide insights into their potential roles in immune-mediated skin diseases.

A Comprehensive Investigation of Stimulatory Agents on MAIT and Vα7.2+/CD161− T Cell Response and Effects of Immunomodulatory Drugs

“…In contrast to 5-OP-RU, CA7S promoted MAIT cell survival and an upregulated gene associated with wound healing and immunoregulation [ 49 ]. In addition to our previous results [ 11 ], this in vitro study compares MAIT cells (Vα7.2+/CD161+) and Vα7.2+/CD161− T cells under different stimulatory conditions and treatments. The results revealed that these two populations differ despite sharing a Vα7.2 compartment.…”

“…These cells have been reported to have different gene expression patterns compared to MAIT cells despite sharing the Vα7.2+ compartment [ 31 ]. We recently reported these cells to have different responses in atopic dermatitis cases than the MAIT cells, where Vα7.2+/CD161− T cells were showing a classical Th2/22 response and MAIT cells were showing upregulation in polyfunctional TNFα/GzB-producing cells [ 11 ]. We have investigated activation, migration, exhaustion, and several cytokines under commonly used stimulatory conditions known to MAIT cells.…”

“…Similar findings have been reported in chronic HIV-1-infected patients, where Vα7.2+/CD161− cells accumulated while MAIT cell frequency decreased compared to uninfected healthy controls, despite no change in total T cell numbers [ 10 ]. Recently, we have described them in atopic dermatitis cases, where they have been found as Th22-producing cells with higher CD38 and lower IFNγ-producing T cells, and they are closer to conventional T cells despite expressing the Vα7.2 marker [ 11 ].…”