Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
07:12
Mouse Naïve CD4+ T Cell Isolation and In vitro Differentiation into T Cell Subsets
Published on: April 16, 2015
Four functionally distinct populations of human effector-memory CD8+ T lymphocytes
Pedro Romero1, Alfred Zippelius, Isabel Kurth
1Division of Clinical Onco-Immunology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research-Lausanne Branch, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|March 21, 2007
Summary
Human CD8+ T cell differentiation pathways are clarified. Effector-memory T cells are heterogeneous, with subsets exhibiting distinct functional properties and differentiation stages, impacting immune memory.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- T cell differentiation
Background:
- The differentiation pathways of memory and effector T cells in humans are not fully understood.
- Effector-memory (EM) CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in adaptive immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To dissect the functional properties of circulating ex vivo effector-memory (CD45RA-CCR7-) CD8+ T lymphocytes in healthy individuals.
- To characterize heterogeneity within the EM CD8+ T cell pool based on CD27 and CD28 expression.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry analysis of CD8+ T cell subsets.
- Assessment of effector mediator expression (granzyme B, perforin).
- Evaluation of replicative history and telomerase activity.
Main Results:
- Effector-memory CD8+ T cells are heterogeneous, classified into four subsets based on CD27 and CD28 expression.
- EM(1) and EM(4) subsets show low effector mediators and high IL-7Ralpha, with EM(1) cells resembling central-memory cells.
- EM(2) and EM(3) subsets express effector mediators, with EM(3) exhibiting higher cytolytic activity and more cell divisions, akin to differentiated effector cells.
Conclusions:
- CD8+ T cell differentiation is characterized by increased cytolytic activity and progressive loss of CCR7, CD28, and CD27.
- Memory CD8+ T cell populations include central-memory cells and EM(1) cells, which may mediate memory functions in different tissue compartments.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
01:28Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...