Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026
08:17
Quantitative 3D Imaging of Trypanosoma cruzi-Infected Cells, Dormant Amastigotes, and T Cells in Intact Clarified Organs
Published on: June 23, 2022
3.6K
Stable CD8+ T cell memory during persistent Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Lisa M Bixby1, Rick L Tarleton
1Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases and Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|August 8, 2008
Summary
Despite persistent infections typically lacking T central memory (TCM) cells, this study found a distinct TCM population in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected mice. These CD8(+) T cells are maintained long-term and respond to re-infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Persistent infections often fail to generate T central memory (TCM) cells.
- CD8(+) T cell responses are usually dominated by effector and effector memory cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of CD8(+) T central memory cells during chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
- To determine if a stable, functional TCM population exists despite persistent antigen exposure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Trypanosoma cruzi infection model in mice.
- Characterized CD8(+) T cells using flow cytometry for TCM markers (CD127, CD62L, CCR7, CD122) and effector markers (KLRG1).
- Assessed cell maintenance and function through adoptive transfer and re-challenge experiments.
Main Results:
- Identified a CD8(+) T cell population with TCM markers (CD127+, CD62L+, CCR7+, CD122+) during chronic T. cruzi infection.
- CD127(high) cells were KLRG1(low), suggesting less repetitive activation.
- These TCM cells showed enhanced maintenance in naive recipients and functional responses (IFN-gamma production, expansion) upon re-stimulation or challenge.
Conclusions:
- A stable, functional CD8(+) T central memory cell population is generated and maintained during persistent Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
- This contrasts with typical observations in other persistent infections, suggesting unique immune regulation.
- These findings highlight the potential for robust adaptive immunity even with chronic antigen presence.
