Cutting edge: IFN-gamma signaling to macrophages is required for optimal Valpha14i NK T/NK cell cross-talk.

Activated NK T cells are known to rapidly stimulate NK cells and, subsequently, CD8(+) T cells and B cells. In this report, we first demonstrate that the downstream effects induced by alpha-galactosylceramide activated NK T cells on NK cells are mainly dependent on IFN-gamma. We found that NK T cell activation of NK cells requires a functional IFN-gamma signaling in macrophages and dendritic cells but not in B cells, NK cells, or NK T cells. NK T cell activation is dendritic cell-dependent whereas NK T cell activation of NK cells is indirect and in part mediated by macrophages. Interestingly, in this context, macrophage participation in the CD1d Ag presentation of alpha-galactosylceramide to NK T cells is not necessary. These data indicate that NK T cell-dependent activation of macrophages is required for optimal NK T cell-induced stimulation of NK cells.