Modulation of the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by γδ T lymphocytes activated by mycobacterial antigens

Immunity to mycobacterial antigens may contribute to the maintenance of self-tolerance. Exposure of the immune system to mycobacterial antigen might well stimulate the immune system to exert control over unwanted self-reactive clones. We demonstrated that in vivo administration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, PPD, and PPD peptide (180-196) prior to immunization with Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) led to a moderate increase of gamma delta T cells, suppression of the immune response, and reduction in the severity of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. The immunosuppression observed is due, at least in part, to the production of Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) by the gamma delta T lymphocytes.