Different T cell receptor signals determine CD8+ memory versus effector development

Science. 2009 Jan 23;323(5913):502-5. doi: 10.1126/science.1163612.

Abstract

Following infection, naïve CD8+ T cells bearing pathogen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) differentiate into a mixed population of short-lived effector and long-lived memory T cells to mediate an adaptive immune response. How the TCR regulates memory T cell development has remained elusive. Using a mutant TCR transgenic model, we found that point mutations in the TCR beta transmembrane domain (betaTMD) impair the development and function of CD8+ memory T cells without affecting primary effector T cell responses. Mutant T cells are deficient in polarizing the TCR and in organizing the nuclear factor kappaB signal at the immunological synapse. Thus, effector and memory states of CD8+ T cells are separable fates, determined by differential TCR signaling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Genes, T-Cell Receptor beta
  • Immunization
  • Immunologic Memory*
  • Immunological Synapses / immunology
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Listeriosis / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Point Mutation
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / chemistry
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta