Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026
04:36
Murine Superficial Lymph Node Surgery
Published on: May 21, 2012
Local Inflammatory Cues Regulate Differentiation and Persistence of CD8+ Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells
Tessa Bergsbaken1, Michael J Bevan1, Pamela J Fink1
1Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
Cell Reports
|April 6, 2017
Summary
Intestinal inflammation promotes the development of tissue-resident memory T (Trm) cells, crucial for immunity. Cytokines like interferon-beta and interleukin-12, produced by macrophages, regulate Trm cell abundance and persistence.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pathogens often infect at mucosal surfaces, where tissue-resident memory T (Trm) cells are vital for protection.
- The specific signals guiding Trm cell differentiation in different tissues are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of intestinal inflammation and associated cytokines in regulating CD8+ Trm cell differentiation and persistence during Yersinia infection.
Main Methods:
- Studied CD8+ T cell recruitment and Trm differentiation in the context of Yersinia infection.
- Analyzed the impact of interferon-beta (IFN-β) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) on Trm markers like CD103.
- Utilized knockout mouse models (Type I interferon-receptor or IL-12-receptor deficient) and assessed Trm cell populations.
- Investigated the source of IFN-β and IL-12 by examining intestinal macrophages and CCR2+ cells.
Main Results:
- CD8+ T cell recruitment to inflamed intestinal sites was essential for differentiating the CD103-CD69+ Trm subset.
- Elevated IFN-β and IL-12 in the intestinal microenvironment influenced Trm markers, including CD103.
- T cells lacking Type I interferon or IL-12 receptor signaling showed defective CD103-CD69+ Trm differentiation and reduced persistence.
- Intestinal macrophages were identified as primary producers of IFN-β and IL-12 during infection.
- Depletion of CCR2+ IL-12-producing cells diminished the CD103- Trm population.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal inflammation actively shapes the diversity and quantity of Trm cells.
- IFN-β and IL-12 signaling are critical for optimal intestinal Trm cell differentiation and long-term immunity.
- Macrophages play a key role in orchestrating Trm cell responses within the gut mucosa.
Related Concept Videos
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
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...
01:22T 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...
01:27Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...