Abscess formation in Listeria monocytogenes-infected gamma delta T cell deficient mouse mutants involves alpha beta T cells.

Although mutant mice lacking gamma delta T cells resolve Listeria monocytogenes infection, extensive abscesses are formed. Manifestation of these inflammatory lesions is prevented by in vivo depletion with monoclonal antibodies of CD4, CD8 or both T cell subsets. We conclude that these inflammatory tissue reactions develop when alpha beta T cells of either CD4 or CD8 phenotype are released from control by gamma delta T cells.