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- Reitermaier, R, et al.
(author)
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The molecular and phenotypic makeup of fetal human skin T lymphocytes
- 2022
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In: Development (Cambridge, England). - : The Company of Biologists. - 1477-9129 .- 0950-1991. ; 149:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The adult human skin contains a vast number of T cells that are essential for skin homeostasis and pathogen defense. T cells are first observed in the skin at the early stages of gestation; however, our understanding of their contribution to early immunity has been limited by their low abundance and lack of comprehensive methodologies for their assessment. Here, we describe a new workflow for isolating and expanding significant amounts of T cells from fetal human skin. Using multiparametric flow cytometry and in situ immunofluorescence, we found a large population with a naive phenotype and small populations with a memory and regulatory phenotype. Their molecular state was characterized using single-cell transcriptomics and TCR repertoire profiling. Importantly, culture of total fetal skin biopsies facilitated T cell expansion without a substantial impact on their phenotype, a major prerequisite for subsequent functional assays. Collectively, our experimental approaches and data advance the understanding of fetal skin immunity and potential use in future therapeutic interventions.
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2. |
- Reitermaier, R, et al.
(author)
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αβγδ T cells play a vital role in fetal human skin development and immunity
- 2021
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In: The Journal of experimental medicine. - : Rockefeller University Press. - 1540-9538 .- 0022-1007. ; 218:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- T cells in human skin play an important role in the immune defense against pathogens and tumors. T cells are present already in fetal skin, where little is known about their cellular phenotype and biological function. Using single-cell analyses, we identified a naive T cell population expressing αβ and γδ T cell receptors (TCRs) that was enriched in fetal skin and intestine but not detected in other fetal organs and peripheral blood. TCR sequencing data revealed that double-positive (DP) αβγδ T cells displayed little overlap of CDR3 sequences with single-positive αβ T cells. Gene signatures, cytokine profiles and in silico receptor–ligand interaction studies indicate their contribution to early skin development. DP αβγδ T cells were phosphoantigen responsive, suggesting their participation in the protection of the fetus against pathogens in intrauterine infections. Together, our analyses unveil a unique cutaneous T cell type within the native skin microenvironment and point to fundamental differences in the immune surveillance between fetal and adult human skin.
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