Initial antigen encounter programs CD8+ T cells competent to develop into memory cells that are activated in an antigen-free, IL-7- and IL-15-rich environment.
Although much is known concerning the immunobiology of CD8+ T memory cells, the initial events favoring the generation of CD8+ T memory cells remain poorly defined. Using a culture system that yields memory-like CD8+ T cells, we show that 1 day after Ag encounter, Ag-activated T cells developed into memory-like T cells, but this optimally occurred 3 days after Ag encounter. Key phenotypic, functional, and molecular properties that typify central memory T cells were expressed within 48 h when the activated CD8+ T cells were cultured with IL-7 or IL-15 in the absence of Ag or following transfer into normal mice. These data support a model whereby Ag activation of naive CD8+ T cells not only programs effector cell expansion and contraction but the potential to develop into a memory cell which ensues in an Ag-free environment containing IL-7 or IL-15.
Carrio
Roberto
R
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA.
Bathe
Oliver F
OF
Malek
Thomas R
TR
D019264:Adoptive Transfer; D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000276:immunology; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015851:Interleukin-7 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007700:Kinetics; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology
D019409:Interleukin-15; D015851:Interleukin-7