Aiolos restricts the generation of antigen-inexperienced, virtual memory CD8⁺ T cells.

ABSTRACT: CD8⁺ virtual memory T (T_VM) cells are memory-like cells that rapidly respond to infection via antigen-independent bystander effector functions. While it is recognized that T_VM cells arise independently of foreign antigen encounter, the mechanisms governing their development are not fully understood. Here, we identify the transcription factor Aiolos as a negative regulator of T_VM cells. We observed higher quantities of T_VM cells in the spleens of uninfected Aiolos-deficient (Ikzf3 ^-/-) mice relative to wild-type (WT). Furthermore, Ikzf3 ^-/- T_VM cells produced higher levels of IFN-γ and granzyme B. In addition, we found that Ikzf3 ^-/- T_VM cells accumulated to hig

SUBMITTER: Pokhrel S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12262803 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature