Enhanced development of CD4+ γδ T cells in the absence of Itk results in elevated IgE production

The Tec kinase Itk is critical for the development of alpha beta T cells as well as differentiation of CD4(+) T cells into Th2 cells. Itk null mice have defects in the production of Th2 cytokines; however, they paradoxically have significant elevations in serum IgE. Here we show that Itk null mice have increased numbers of alpha delta T cells in the thymus and spleen. This includes elevated numbers of CD4(+) alpha delta T cell, the majority of which carry the V gamma 1.1 and V delta 6.2/3 gamma delta T-cell receptor with a distinct phenotype. The development of these CD4(+) gamma delta T cells is T cell intrinsic, independent of either major histocompatibility complex class I or class II, and is favored during development in the absence of Itk. Itk null CD4(+) gamma delta T cells secrete significant amounts of Th2 cytokines and can induce the secretion of IgE by wild-type B cells. Our data indicate that Itk plays important role in regulating gamma delta T-cell development and function. In addition, our data indicate that the elevated IgE observed in Itk-deficient mice is due in part to the enhanced development of CD4(+) gamma delta T cells in the absence of Itk. (Blood. 2009; 114: 564-571)