Selective expression of IL-7 receptor on memory T cells identifies early CD40L-dependent generation of distinct CD8 + memory T cell subsets

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0308054101
• Publication Date: 2004-03-25T20:16:07Z
• Authors: Katharina M. Huster; Verena Busch; Matthias Schiemann; Kathrin Linkemann; Kristen M. Kerksiek; Hermann Wagner; Dirk H. Busch
• Keywords: Interleukin-7 receptor; Priming (agriculture); Memory T cell; Memory cell

Several recent studies have demonstrated that T-helper cell-dependent events during the initial priming period are required for generation of CD8(+) T cell-mediated protective immunity. The underlying mechanisms this phenomenon not yet been determined, mostly because difficulties in studying memory cells or their precursor populations at early stages immune responses. We identified IL-7 receptor (CD127) surface expression as a marker long-living cells, most importantly allowing distinction between and effector after vivo priming. combination staining CD127 CD62L further separates two functionally distinct cell subsets, which similar (if identical) to subsets recently described central (CD127(high) CD62L(high)) peripheral CD62L(low)). Using new tool analysis, we demonstrate absence help CD40L specifically alters subset, appears be crucial immediate responses long-term maintenance effective Our data reveal unique strategy obtain information about quality immunity an response, finding may applied variety clinical settings, including rapid monitoring vaccination success.