Gamma interferon and interleukin 2, but not interleukin 4, are detectable in gamma/delta T-cell cultures after activation with bacteria.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis- or group A streptococcus-activated gamma/delta T cells from normal healthy individuals were negatively sorted and restimulated in vitro from 48 h. Significant amounts of gamma interferon were detected after restimulation with M. tuberculosis, group A streptococci, or Listeria monocytogenes. In contrast, interleukin 4 was undetectable in the culture supernatants. Our findings provide indirect evidence for the involvement of gamma/delta T cells in immunity against tubercle bacilli and probably other bacteria.