Single-cell transcriptomics identifies an effectorness gradient shaping the response of CD4+ T cells to cytokines

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15543-y
• Publication Date: 2020-04-14T10:02:56Z
• Authors: Eddie Cano-Gamez; Blagoje Soskic; Theodoros I. Roum...; Ernest So; Deborah J. Smyth; Marta Baldrighi; David Willé; Nikolina Nakic; Jorge Esparza-Gor...; Christopher G. C....; Paola G. Bronson; David F. Tough; Wendy C. Rowan; Jyoti S. Choudhary; Gosia Trynka
• Keywords: Memory T cell; Proinflammatory cytokine

Abstract Naïve CD4 + T cells coordinate the immune response by acquiring an effector phenotype in to cytokines. However, cytokine responses memory remain largely understudied. Here we use quantitative proteomics, bulk RNA-seq, and single-cell RNA-seq of over 40,000 human naïve show that cytokines differ substantially between these cell types. Memory are unable differentiate into Th2 phenotype, acquire a Th17-like iTreg polarization. Single-cell analyses constitute transcriptional continuum progresses from central cells, forming effectorness gradient accompanied increase expression chemokines Finally, activation influenced gradient. Our results illustrate heterogeneity responses, furthering our understanding inflammation.