γδ T cell versus NK cell function in intestinal immunity

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Chickens belong to the γδ high species with a frequency of up to 50 % of circulating T cells. Their function is largely unknown and there are only very few markers that can be used for phenotypic analyses of γδ T cells. Moreover, there is only sparse information regarding the TCR usage in various tissues and changes of γδ T cell repertoire following infections. Work package 4 will address several research questions regarding the phenotype and function of γδ T cells. In particular, we will analyze similarities and differences between intestinal NK cells and γδ T cells that are both highly abundant intestinal cell populations. In addition, will characterize novel γδ T cell specific mAb and use them in diverse infection experiments to explore different γδ T cell subpopulations and/or activation states. These novel tools will be freely available for the other research projects to analyze phenotypic changes of γδ T cells during various disease models. We will also use our newly developed in vitro culture system for γδ T cell to functionally characterize these cells and their interaction with pathogens in a defined system. In addition, we will setup tools to monitor the γδ T cell repertoire in order to monitor changes of the TCR repertoire during in vitro culture but also in infection models. The individual research projects within FOR5130 benefit from the collaborations among each other and provide a better insight into the immune system of chickens in relation to important pathogens.