Authors:
Deborah A. Witherden, Petra Verdino, Stephanie E. Rieder, Olivia Garijo, Robyn E. Mills, Luc Teyton, Wolfgang H. Fischer, Ian A. Wilson, & Wendy L. Havran
Summary:
γδT cells present in epithelial tissues provide a crucial first line of defense against environmental insults, including infection, trauma, and malignancy, yet the molecular events surrounding their activation remain poorly defined. Here we identify an epithelial γδT cell–specific costimulatory molecule, junctional adhesion molecule–like protein (JAML). Binding of JAML to its ligand Coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) provides costimulation leading to cellular proliferation and cytokine and growth factor production. Inhibition of JAML costimulation leads to diminished γδT cell activation and delayed wound closure akin to that seen in the absence of γδT cells. Our results identify JAML as a crucial component of epithelial γδT cell biology and have broader implications for CAR and JAML in tissue homeostasis and repair.
Source:
Science; Vol. 329, No. 5996, 1205-1210 (09/03/10)