Reversible, tunable epigenetic silencing of TCF1 generates flexibility in the T cell memory decision

Abstract

The immune system encodes information about the severity of a pathogenic threat in the quantity and type of memory cells it forms. This encoding emerges from lymphocyte decisions to maintain or lose self-renewal and memory potential during a challenge. By tracking CD8+ Tcells at the single-cell and clonal lineage level using time-resolved transcriptomics, quantitative live imaging, and an acute infection model, we find that Tcells will maintain or lose memory potential early after antigen recognition. However, following pathogen clearance, Tcells may regain memory potential if initially lost. Mechanistically, this flexibility is implemented by a stochastic cis-epigenetic switch that tunably and reversibly silences the memory regulator, TCF1, in response to stimulation. Mathematical modeling shows how this flexibility allows memory Tcell numbers to scale robustly with pathogen virulence and immune response magnitudes. We propose that flexibility and stochasticity in cellular decisions ensure optimal immune responses against diverse threats.