RECOGNITION OF STRESS-INDUCED MHC MOLECULES BY INTESTINAL EPITHELIAL GAMMA-DELTA T-CELLS

T cells with variable region V(delta)1 gamma delta T cell receptors (T CRs) are distributed throughout the human intestinal epithelium and ma y function as sentinels that respond to self antigens. The expression of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-related molecule, MICA, matches this localization. MICA and the closely related MICE wer e recognized by intestinal epithelial T cells expressing diverse V(del ta)1 gamma delta TCRs, These interactions involved the alpha 1 beta 2 domains of MICA and MICE but were independent of antigen processing. W ith intestinal epithelial cell lines, the expression and recognition o f MICA and MICE could be stress-induced. Thus, these molecules may bro adly regulate protective responses by the V(delta)1 gamma delta T cell s in the epithelium of the intestinal tract.