Phenotypic and functional analysis of γδ T cell receptor-positive murine dendritic epidermal clones

Thy-1⁺ dendritic cells isolated from the epidermis of normal mice (dEC)³ bear the γδ TCR associated with the CD3 complex. We have analyzed the effects of antibodies directed against the TCR complex, Ly-6C, and Thy-1, as well as pharmacological agents which have been shown to activate T cells without engagement of the TCR complex, on levels of intracellular free calcium, activation of protein kinase C, cytolysis, IL-2R expression, and secretion of lymphokines by dEC clones. We have found that the dEC cells express a fully functional TCR complex which can function to transmit signals upon perturbation leading to an increase in IL-2R expression, release of lymphokines, and cytolytic activity. These results indicate that the γδ TCR⁺ dEC are capable of responding to activation signals and in the same manner as mature αβ TCR⁺ cells and suggests that they may play a functional role in the skin.