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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
Continuous Effector CD8(+) T Cell Production in a Controlled Persistent Infection Is Sustained by a Proliferative
H Hamlet Chu1, Shiao-Wei Chan1, John Paul Gosling2
1Division of Immunology and Pathogenesis, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
Persistent infections involve continuous production of CD8(+) effector T (Teff) cells from a unique intermediate T cell population. This sustained response relies on ongoing antigen presentation, crucial for controlling chronic infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- CD8(+) effector T cells (Teff) are crucial for controlling persistent infections, like HIV.
- Understanding Teff cell maintenance mechanisms is key to developing effective treatments for chronic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular mechanisms sustaining T effector responses during persistent infection.
- To identify key cell populations involved in maintaining CD8(+) Teff cell numbers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model of persistent *Toxoplasma gondii* infection.
- Analyzed T cell populations and antigen presentation dynamics.
- Examined the role of intermediate T cells (Tint) in Teff cell maintenance.
Main Results:
- A dominant T effector response persisted without contraction in mice with ongoing antigen presentation.
- Short-lived Teff cells were continuously generated from a proliferative, antigen-dependent Tint population.
- Decreasing antigen load led to Tint cell decline and loss of effector response.
Conclusions:
- Continuous T effector cell production, driven by antigen-dependent Tint cells, is essential for controlling persistent infections.
- Targeting Tint cell development could be a viable vaccination strategy for chronic pathogens.
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