Exhausted CD8 T Cells and Their Response to Cytokines
Author Information
Author(s): Ingram Jennifer T., Yi John S., Zajac Allan J.
Primary Institution: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Hypothesis
Are exhausted CD8 T cells sensitive to activation by combinations of IL-12, IL-18, and IL-21?
Conclusion
Exhausted CD8 T cells lose their ability to respond to certain cytokines, which compromises their function during chronic infections.
Supporting Evidence
- Exhausted CD8 T cells do not produce IFN-γ in response to antigen-independent stimulation.
- IL-18Rα expression is downregulated in exhausted CD8 T cells.
- Memory CD8 T cells retain the ability to respond to cytokine activation.
Takeaway
When the body has a long-lasting virus, some immune cells called CD8 T cells get tired and stop working well. This study shows that these tired cells can't respond to certain signals that usually help them fight infections.
Methodology
The study used LCMV-infected mice to analyze the responses of effector, memory, and exhausted CD8 T cells to various cytokine combinations.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on mouse models, which may not fully replicate human immune responses.
Participant Demographics
Mice of the C57BL/6 strain were used in the experiments.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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