TCR-inducible PLZF transcription factor required for innate phenotype of a subset of γδ T cells with restricted TCR diversity

Some gamma delta and alpha beta T lymphocytes exhibit an innate phenotype associated with rapid cytokine responses. The PLZF transcription factor is essential for the innate phenotype of NKT cells. This report shows that PLZF is likewise responsible for the innate, NKT-like phenotype of V gamma 1+V delta 6.3/V delta 6.4+ cells. TCR cross-linking induced PLZF expression in all polyclonal immature gamma delta thymocytes, suggesting that agonist selection might be required for PLZF induction. Transgenic expression of V gamma 1V delta 6.4 TCR was sufficient to support the development of large numbers of PLZF+ T cells, further supporting the importance of the TCR for PLZF induction. Interestingly, expression of this TCR transgene led to the development of spontaneous dermatitis.