Ecto-ATPase CD39 Inactivates Isoprenoid-Derived Vγ9Vδ2 T Cell Phosphoantigens

Abstract

In humans, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells respond to self and pathogen-associated, diphosphate-containing isoprenoids, also known as phosphoantigens (pAgs). However, activation and homeostasis of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that pAgs induced expression of the ecto-ATPase CD39, which, however, not only hydrolyzed ATP but also abrogated the γδ T cell receptor (TCR) agonistic activity of self and microbial pAgs (C5 to C15). Only mevalonate-derived geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP, C20) resisted CD39-mediated hydrolysis and acted as a regulator of CD39 expression and activity. GGPP enhanced macrophage differentiation in response to the tissue stress cytokine interleukin-15. In addition, GGPP-imprinted macrophage-like cells displayed increased capacity to produce IL-1β as well as the chemokine CCL2 and preferentially activated CD161-expressing CD4+ T cells in an innate-like manner. Our studies reveal a previously unrecognized immunoregulatory function of CD39 and highlight a particular role of GGPP among pAgs.