Abstract
Memory is a hallmark of the immune system and ever since its recognition there has been considerable interest in understanding how immunity is maintained. The current model is that long-term memory is dependent on persistent antigenic stimulation. We report here results that challenge this view and provide evidence that antigen is not essential for the maintenance of CD8+ T-cell memory. We show that memory CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes persist indefinitely in the absence of priming antigen, retain the memory phenotype (CD44hi), and provide protection against virus challenge. These findings suggest a re-evaluation of our current thinking on mechanisms involved in maintaining immunity and have implications towards designing effective vaccination strategies.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens, Viral / immunology
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CD8 Antigens / immunology
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Carrier Proteins / biosynthesis
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Cell Line
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Cell Survival
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Hyaluronan Receptors
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Immunologic Memory*
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Immunotherapy, Adoptive
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Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis / immunology
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Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / immunology
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Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus / isolation & purification
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice, SCID
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Models, Biological
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Receptors, Cell Surface / biosynthesis
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Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing / biosynthesis
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*
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T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / transplantation
Substances
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Antigens, Viral
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CD8 Antigens
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Carrier Proteins
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Hyaluronan Receptors
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Receptors, Cell Surface
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Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing