Cytomegalovirus infection alters phenotypes of different γδ T‐cell subsets in renal transplant recipients with long‐term stable graft function

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection alters the phenotypic profiles of T‐cells and NK cells in healthy and immunocompromised individuals. Here, we examined the effects of CMV infection on the phenotype and functions of γδ T‐cell subsets in renal transplant recipients (RTR) stable several years after transplantation (n = 80) and healthy controls (n = 72). Differentiation status, function, and expression of HLA‐DR, CD57, and LIR‐1 on Vδ2− and Vδ2+ γδ T‐cells were examined in peripheral blood cells using flow cytometry. Percentages of Vδ2− γδ T‐cells were higher in RTR who are CMV‐seropositive and correlated with CMV antibody levels. Proportions of Vδ2− γδ T‐cells expressing HLA‐DR, CD57, or LIR‐1 were increased in CMV‐seropositive RTR and healthy controls compared to their seronegative counterparts. Additionally, Vδ2− γδ T‐cells were skewed towards a terminally differentiated phenotype and most expressed CD8 in individuals who were CMV‐seropositive. Increased expression of LIR‐1 on terminally differentiated Vδ2− γδ T‐cells was associated with CMV seropositivity in RTR and controls. The presence of CMV DNA in 15 RTR was associated with higher frequencies of LIR‐1+ Vδ2+ γδ T‐cells and increased percentages of terminally differentiated effector memory cells in both γδ T‐cell subsets. Our study further characterises the effects of CMV and transplantation on γδ T‐cell phenotypes.