CD8(+) T-cell homeostasis after infection: setting the 'curve'.
Antigen (Ag)-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses exhibit remarkably similar kinetics after different types of infection. Starting from levels that are virtually undetectable in vivo, pathogen-specific naïve CD8(+) T cells are precisely regulated to go through rapid expansion and contraction (death) phases, achieving memory levels of Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells that are maintained for the life of the host. However, the exact mechanisms used to achieve appropriate and reproducible CD8(+) T-cell homeostasis in response to diverse pathogens remain to be determined. The possibility that early events after infection regulate major features of Ag-specific CD8(+) T-cell homeostasis will be discussed here.
Badovinac
Vladimir P
VP
Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, 3-512 Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Harty
John T
JT
D000818:Animals; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D016923:Cell Death; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006706:Homeostasis; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D007700:Kinetics; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial