Two prototypic types of virus-specific CD8+ T cells can be found in latently infected individuals: CD45R0+CD27+CCR7− effector-memory, and CD45RA+CD27−CCR7− effector-type cells. It has recently been implied that CD45RA+CD27−CCR7− T cells are terminally differentiated effector cells and as such have lost all proliferative capacity. We show in this study, however, that stimulation of CMV-specific CD45RA+CD27−CCR7− T cells with their cognate peptide in concert with either CD4+ help or IL-2, IL-15, or IL-21 in fact induces massive clonal expansion. Concurrently, these stimulated effector T cells change cell surface phenotype from CD45RA to CD45R0 and regain CCR7, while effector functions are maintained. Our data imply that CD45RA+CD27−CCR7− effector-type T cells contribute to immunity not only by direct execution of effector functions, but also by yielding progeny in situations of viral reinfection or reactivation.
CITATION STYLE
van Leeuwen, E. M., Gamadia, L. E., Baars, P. A., Remmerswaal, E. B., ten Berge, I. J., & van Lier, R. A. (2002). Proliferation Requirements of Cytomegalovirus-Specific, Effector-Type Human CD8+ T Cells. The Journal of Immunology, 169(10), 5838–5843. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.169.10.5838
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.