Understanding How Special Immune Cells Defend Against IBD

ByThe Short Paper

Conserved γδ T cell selection by BTNL proteins limits progression of human inflammatory bowel disease

In our bodies, we have special immune cells called γδ T cells that protect our tissues. Scientists have discovered that these cells are influenced by certain molecules called BTNL. They found that when a particular subset of these cells, known as CD103+Vγ4+, is diminished or not working properly, it can lead to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But when they restore these cells, it can help treat IBD. They also found that some people have a genetic risk for IBD because they lack the BTNL3/BTNL8 molecules. This discovery could help us better understand and treat IBD, which is a growing health problem worldwide.

Robin J. Dart et al. ,Conserved γδ T cell selection by BTNL proteins limits progression of human inflammatory bowel disease.Science381,eadh0301(2023).DOI:10.1126/science.adh0301

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh0301

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