We have identified a population of T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, Vδ1 TCRγδ T lymphocytes,
which unexpectedly was uniquely expressing high production of interferon-γ
in newly diagnosed, untreated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. IFN-γ production in this
population distinctly correlated to parameters of clinical disease activity, inflammation,
and neuronal damage. These Vδ1 T lymphocytes belong to a population of innate T lymphocytes
that recognize antigen in the context of CD1d/CD1c and which include reactivity
to the myelin glycosphingolipid sulfatide. Importantly, patients treated with natalizumab,
blocking leukocyte transmigration to central nervous system, had completely normalized
levels of interferon-γ-producing Vδ1 T lymphocytes. A biomarker and early sign of demyelinating
disease in MS is much warranted and would help identify immunopathogenesis
and prognosis of disease as well as monitor success with adequate treatment. The
present study identifies the Vδ1 T lymphocytes as an early marker of MS and a possible
link to understanding the disease etiology
