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Modifications of CD8+ T cell function during in vivo memory or tolerance induction
C Tanchot1, S Guillaume, J Delon
1INSERM U.345, Institut Necker, Paris, France.
Immunity
|June 10, 1998
Summary
T cell stimulation in vivo can lead to either memory cells that eliminate male cells or tolerant cells that allow male cell survival. Tolerant T cells exhibit regulatory functions, not a complete lack of activity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular immunology
- T cell biology
Background:
- Naive T cells can differentiate into distinct effector populations.
- Immune tolerance is crucial for preventing autoimmunity and maintaining self-recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional differences between memory and tolerant T cells.
- To characterize the in vivo behavior of T cells after antigen exposure.
Main Methods:
- In vivo stimulation of monoclonal T cells specific for a male antigen.
- Analysis of T cell proliferation, calcium signaling, cytokine secretion (IL-2, interferon-gamma, IL-10), and IL-2 receptor expression.
Main Results:
- Memory T cells showed calcium oscillations, high IL-2 and interferon-gamma secretion upon TCR ligation.
- Tolerant T cells did not proliferate or mobilize calcium in response to stimulation but secreted IL-10.
- Tolerant T cells survived long-term in vivo and expressed IL-2R.
Conclusions:
- Immune tolerance is an active state, not merely an absence of function.
- Tolerant T cells possess regulatory functions, exemplified by IL-10 secretion.
- Distinct T cell fates (memory vs. tolerance) are established following in vivo stimulation.