The early human interferon gamma response to Toxoplasma gondii is driven by Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell sensing of host phosphoantigens and subsequent NK-cell activation

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally prevalent intracellular parasite that infects [~]40 million Americans. The murine immune response to Toxoplasma relies on both toll-like receptor (TLR) 11/12 and immunity related GTPase-mediated (IRGs) responses, which humans lack, making it unclear how the human immune response detects and responds to the parasite. We investigated whether human V{gamma}9V{delta}2 T cells, which detect phosphoantigens through the BTN3A1 receptor, shape the early immune response to the parasite. Using primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), we show that V{gamma}9V{delta}2 T cells are activated by Toxoplasma-infected cells in a BTN3A1- dependent manner leading to secretion of interferon gamma (IFN{gamma}) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). Additionally, these T cells potentiate IFN{gamma} production by natural killer (NK) cells, likely via TNF and interleukin (IL)-12 produced during infection. Active parasite invasion is required to stimulate the IFN{gamma} response, and inhibition of the host mevalonate pathway, which limits the synthesis of the phosphoantigen isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), attenuates the cytokine response, indicating Toxoplasma infection increases host phosphoantigens leading to V{gamma}9V{delta}2 T cell activation. Our findings identify V{gamma}9V{delta}2 T cells as key effectors that potentiate NK cells in the early human immune response to Toxoplasma, bridging innate and adaptive immunity in the absence of TLR11/12 signaling.