Diverse Microbial Exposure Enhances CD8 ⁺ T Cell Effector Memory Output and Function.

ABSTRACT: Mice with normalized microbial exposure (NME) harbor an immune system that more accurately reflects that of humans compared to mice maintained as specific pathogen-free (SPF). An explanation for the observed alterations in the composition of the T cell compartment in NME mice has not been reported. We compared the T cell landscape in NME versus SPF mice at baseline and after acute LCMV infection. Using the immgenT dataset, we found no unique T cell populations in NME, but the landscape shifted towards activated T cells with increased propensity for effector functions and improved pathogen clearance. CD8 ⁺ KLRG1 ⁺ cells (immgenT CD8_cl12) are significantly expanded in NME mice. Their predominance was a result of both increased formation and the conversion of other memo

SUBMITTER: Thefaine CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12889659 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature