Sensing and alarm function of resident memory CD8⁺ T cells.

ABSTRACT: CD8(+) T cells eliminate intracellular infections through two contact-dependent effector functions: cytolysis and secretion of antiviral cytokines. Here we identify the following additional function for memory CD8(+) T cells that persist at front-line sites of microbial exposure: to serve as local sensors of previously encountered antigens that precipitate innate-like alarm signals and draw circulating memory CD8(+) T cells into the tissue. When memory CD8(+) T cells residing in the female mouse reproductive tract encountered cognate antigen, they expressed interferon-γ (IFN-γ), potentiated robust local expression of inflammatory chemokines and induced rapid recruitment of circulating memory CD8(+) T cells. Anamnestic responses in front-line tissues are thus an integrated collaboration bet

SUBMITTER: Schenkel JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3631432 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature