Identification of a T-bet^hi Quiescent Exhausted CD8 T Cell Subpopulation That Can Differentiate into TIM3⁺CX3CR1⁺ Effectors and Memory-like Cells.

ABSTRACT: Persistent Ag induces a dysfunctional CD8 T cell state known as "exhaustion" characterized by PD-1 expression. Nevertheless, exhausted CD8 T cells retain functionality through continued differentiation of progenitor into effector cells. However, it remains ill-defined how CD8 T cell effector responses are sustained in situ. In this study, we show using the mouse chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection model that CX3CR1⁺ CD8 T cells contain a T-bet-dependent TIM3^-PD-1^lo subpopulation that is distinct from the TIM3⁺CX3CR1⁺PD-1⁺ proliferative effector subset. The TIM3^-CX3CR1⁺ cells are quiescent and express a low but significant level of the transcription factor TCF-1, demonstrating similarity

SUBMITTER: Raju S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8642473 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature