Distribution of human CMV-specific memory T cells among the CD8pos. subsets defined by CD57, CD27, and CD45 isoforms.
Chronic antigenic stimulation has been associated with peripheral blood expansions of CD8pos. T cells characterized by CD57 expression, loss of CD27 expression, and reversal of the CD45RO(bright) /RA(dim) phenotype usually associated with immunological memory towards a CD45RO(dim) /RA(bright) phenotype. However, the relationship and functional significance of these subset(s) has remained controversial. Here, this issue was addressed using a novel flow cytometric technique that allows simultaneous detection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-specific CD8pos. memory T cells by rapid (< 6 h) HCMV peptide-specific induction of cytokine synthesis, and their phenotypic characterization, including CD57, CD27 and CD45RA/RO. The vast majority of resting CD8(pos.) T cells capable of rapid induction of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha synthesis in response to HCMV peptides were found in a subset characterized by intermediate to high expression of CD57, down-regulation/loss of CD27, and varying degrees of reversal of the classical "memory" CD45RO(bright) /RA(dim) phenotype. This subpopulation likely includes the fully differentiated memory cells responsible for the long-term immune defense against HCMV reactivation.
Kern
F
F
Institut für Medizinische Immunologie Charité - Campus Mitte, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany. florian.kern@charite.de
Khatamzas
E
E
Surel
I
I
Frömmel
C
C
Reinke
P
P
Waldrop
S L
SL
Picker
L J
LJ
Volk
H D
HD
D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D018959:CD57 Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000276:immunology*; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018127:Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7 / Q000096:biosynthesis
D015703:Antigens, CD; D018959:CD57 Antigens; D018127:Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 7; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens