Cutting edge: The signals for the generation of T cell memory are qualitatively different depending on TCR ligand strength

J Immunol. 2013 Dec 15;191(12):5797-801. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300905. Epub 2013 Nov 15.

Abstract

CD8 T cell memory critically contributes to long-term immunity. Both low- and high-affinity TCR signals are able to support the differentiation of memory CD8 T cells. However, it is unclear whether the requirements for memory development change when TCR signal strength is altered. To gain further insight into this question, we used a TCRβ transmembrane domain mutant model that is defective in the generation of memory in response to high-affinity ligands. Surprisingly, lowering TCR signal strength, by stimulation with low-affinity ligands, resulted in normal memory development. Restoration of memory correlated with recovery of TCR-dependent NF-κB signaling. Thus, these data provide novel evidence that the requirements for memory are qualitatively different depending on TCR signal strength.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Animals
  • Antigens / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / transplantation
  • Gene Expression Regulation / immunology
  • Immunologic Memory / immunology*
  • Immunomagnetic Separation
  • Ligands
  • Listeria monocytogenes / immunology
  • Listeriosis / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Lymphopenia / immunology
  • Lymphopoiesis
  • Mice
  • Mice, Congenic
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • NF-kappa B / physiology
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Peptide Fragments / immunology
  • Point Mutation
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / chemistry
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / transplantation

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Ligands
  • NF-kappa B
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
  • Ovalbumin