Abstract
Abstract Long-lived effector CD8 T cells (LLEC) are generated post infection and persist months after the infection has cleared. LLEC retain a “terminally differentiated” phenotype (CD62L-, CD27-, KLRG1+), which distinguishes them from other long-lived memory CD8 T cell populations. Upon pathogen re-challenge, these cells potently clear viral and bacterial pathogens more effectively than other memory CD8 T cell populations. Unlike other circulating effector memory cells, LLEC express many NK cell markers and are capable of produce IFNγ within hours after in vitro exposure to IL-12 and IL-18, suggesting that they uniquely possess innate-like, rapid effector mechanisms that aide in swift pathogen clearance and survival of the host. Interestingly, LLEC-phenotype CD8 T cells are prevalent in humans, and represent the predominant T cell population in “dirty” mice, that have naturally acquired environmental microbes. Our studies, focused on the establishment, maintenance, and functional properties of protective memory CD8 T cells, reveal LLEC as a distinct effector memory population that shares many characteristics with NK cells and suggest that vaccine approaches that expand the LLEC pool may be beneficial for protective CD8 T cell responses.
Published Version
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