Id2 influences differentiation of killer cell lectin-like receptor G1(hi) short-lived CD8+ effector T cells.

ABSTRACT: CD8(+) T cells play a crucial role in the clearance of intracellular pathogens through the generation of cytotoxic effector cells that eliminate infected cells and long-lived memory cells that provide enhanced protection against reinfection. We have previously shown that the inhibitor of E protein transcription factors, Id2, is necessary for accumulation of effector and memory CD8(+) T cells during infection. In this study, we show that CD8(+) T cells lacking Id2 did not generate a robust terminally differentiated killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1)(hi) effector population, but displayed a cell-surface phenotype and cytokine profile consistent with memory precursors, raising the question as to whether loss of Id2 impairs the differentiation and/or survival of effector memory cells.

SUBMITTER: Knell J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3563862 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature