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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
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Phenotypic and Functional Analysis of Activated Regulatory T Cells Isolated from Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-infected Mice
Published on: June 22, 2016
Antigen-independent memory CD8 T cells do not develop during chronic viral infection
E John Wherry1, Daniel L Barber, Susan M Kaech
1Emory Vaccine Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Road, Room G211, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. wherry@microbio.emory.edu
Summary
T cell memory persistence differs between acute and chronic infections. Acute infections generate long-lasting memory CD8 T cells, while chronic infections impair their ability to persist without antigen.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Memory T cells are crucial for long-term immunity after infections.
- Antigen-dependent T cell memory during chronic infections remains poorly understood.
- CD8 T cell memory differentiation varies between acute and chronic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare memory CD8 T cell differentiation in acute versus chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infections.
- To elucidate mechanisms underlying antigen-independent persistence of memory T cells.
- To investigate the role of homeostatic proliferation and cytokine signaling in T cell memory.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection.
- Compared virus-specific CD8 T cell differentiation after acute and chronic infection.
- Assessed T cell properties including antigen-independent persistence, homeostatic proliferation, and response to IL-7/IL-15.
Main Results:
- CD8 T cells from chronic infections failed to achieve long-term antigen-independent persistence.
- Chronically stimulated CD8 T cells showed impaired homeostatic proliferation and poor response to IL-7/IL-15.
- Memory CD8 T cells from acute infections persisted without antigen, exhibited homeostatic proliferation, and responded well to IL-7/IL-15.
Conclusions:
- Memory CD8 T cells generated during acute infections possess a competitive advantage over those from chronic infections.
- Findings raise concerns for persistent vaccines and highlight challenges in treating chronic infections and tumors immunologically.
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