IL-15R alpha expression on CD8+ T cells is dispensable for T cell memory.
The generation and maintenance of immunological memory requires the activation, expansion, and persistent proliferation of antigen-specific T cells. Recent work suggests that IL-15 may be important for this process. Surprisingly, we now find that expression of the high-affinity receptor for IL-15, IL-15R alpha, on T cells is dispensable for the generation or maintenance of memory CD8(+) T cells. By contrast, IL-15R alpha expression on cells other than T cells is absolutely critical for this function. These findings may be related to IL-15R alpha's ability to present IL-15 in trans to low-affinity IL-15R beta gamma(c) receptors on memory CD8(+) T cells. These unexpected results provide insights into how IL-15R alpha supports memory CD8(+) T cells.
Burkett
Patrick R
PR
Department of Medicine and the Ben May Institute for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, MC 6084, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Koka
Rima
R
Chien
Marcia
M
Chai
Sophia
S
Chan
Faye
F
Ma
Averil
A
Boone
David L
DL
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology; D019264:Adoptive Transfer; D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D002455:Cell Division; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D051379:Mice; D020297:Mice, Congenic; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D011070:Poly I-C / Q000494:pharmacology; D011828:Radiation Chimera; D011836:Radiation Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D053647:Receptors, Interleukin-15; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; C508025:Il15ra protein, mouse; D053647:Receptors, Interleukin-15; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2; D011070:Poly I-C