CD24 expression on T cells is required for optimal T cell proliferation in lymphopenic host

It is well established that T lymphocytes undergo homeostatic proliferation in lymphopenic environment. The homeostatic proliferation requires recognition of the major histocompatibility complex on the host. Recent studies have demonstrated that costimulation-mediated CD28, 4-1BB, and CD40 is not required for T cell homeostatic proliferation. It has been suggested that homeostatic proliferation is costimulation independent. Here, we report that T cells from mice with a targeted mutation of CD24 have a remarkably reduced rate of proliferation when adoptively transferred into syngeneic lymphopenic hosts. The reduced proliferation cannot be attributed to abnormal survival and homing properties of the CD24-deficient T cells. T cell proliferation in allogeneic hosts is less affected by this mutation. These results demonstrate a novel function of CD24 expressed on T cells. Thus, although distinct costimulatory molecules are involved in antigen-driven proliferation and homeostatic proliferation, both processes can be modulated by costimulatory molecules.