Antigen-independent memory CD8 T cells do not develop during chronic viral infection.

ABSTRACT: Memory T cells can persist for extended periods in the absence of antigen, and long-term T cell immunity is often seen after acute infections. Paradoxically, there have been observations suggesting that T cell memory may be antigen-dependent during chronic infections. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms we have compared memory CD8 T cell differentiation during an acute versus chronic infection by using the mouse model of infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. We found that during a chronic infection virus-specific CD8 T cells failed to acquire the cardinal memory T cell property of long-term antigen-independent persistence. These chronically stimulated CD8 T cells were unable to undergo homeostatic proliferation, responded poorly to IL-7 and IL-15, and expressed reduced leve

SUBMITTER: Wherry EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC524220 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature