Minimal activation of memory CD8+ T cell by tissue-derived dendritic cells favors the stimulation of naive CD8+ T cells

Nat Immunol. 2007 Oct;8(10):1060-6. doi: 10.1038/ni1505. Epub 2007 Sep 2.

Abstract

Of the many dendritic cell (DC) subsets, DCs expressing the monomorphic coreceptor CD8 alpha-chain (CD8alpha) are localized permanently in lymphoid organs, whereas 'tissue-derived DCs' remain in nonlymphoid tissues until they 'capture' antigen and then move to local lymph nodes. Here we show that after lung infection, both naive and memory CD8+ 'killer' T cells responded to influenza virus antigens presented by lymph node-resident CD8alpha+ DCs, but only naive cells responded to antigens presented by lung-derived DCs. This difference provides a mechanism for priming naive T cell responses in conditions in which robust memory predominates. Our findings have implications for immunity to pathogens that can mutate their T cell epitopes, such as influenza virus and human immunodeficiency virus, and challenge the long-held view that memory T cells have less-stringent requirements for activation than naive T cells have.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD27 Ligand / physiology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Immunologic Memory*
  • Lung / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Mice

Substances

  • CD27 Ligand