Gamma-delta T cells are unconventional T cells that react rapidly upon activation. The responses of human gamma-delta T cells in early life are largely unknown. Our recent results showed that upon cytomegalovirus (CMV)infection in utero, foetal gamma-delta T cells expand and become differentiated. They express high levels of interferon-gamma, natural killer receptors and cytotoxic mediators such as granzymes. In addition, we demonstrated that CMV infection induces a highly restricted Vdelta repertoire, with a striking high enrichment of a specific Vdelta1 sequence, indicating a ligand-driven reaction. Besides further analysing the gamma-delta T cells responses in vivo, we plan to investigate in depth the fetal gamma-delta T cell reactivity towards CMV infection at the functional and molecular levels. This research should provide insight into the contribution of gamma-delta T cells to anti-microbial defences during the pre- and post-natal periods.

Miles DJ, van der Sande M, Jeffries D, Kaye S, Ismaili J, Ojuola O, Sanneh M, Touray ES, Waight P, Rowland-Jones S, Whittle H, Marchant A. Cytomegalovirus infection in Gambian infants leads to profound CD8 T cell differentiation. J Virol 2007; 81: 5766-5776

Marchant A, Goldman M. T cell-mediated immune responses in human newborns : ready to learn ? Clin Exp Immunol 2005; 141: 10-18

Miles DJC, van der Sande M, Kaye S, Crozier S, Ojuola O, Palmero MS, Sanneh M, Touray ES, Waight P, Rowland-Jones S, Whittle H, Marchant A. CD4 T-cell responses to CMV mature slowly following infection in infancy: a prospective birth cohort study. J Infect Dis 2008; 197: 658-662

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