title: Cutting edge: a single MHC class Ia is sufficient for CD8 memory T cell differentiation.
abstract: Recent studies have suggested a role for MHC class Ib molecules in providing signals for memory T cell differentiation during the early phases of acute infection. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the development of effector and memory CD8 T cells in transgenic mice expressing a single chain H-2D(d)/beta2-microglobulin (beta2M) fusion protein on a beta2M-deficient background. These mice thus express a single MHC class Ia in the absence of all other beta2M-dependent class Ia and Ib molecules. Following infection with a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing a known D(d)-restricted epitope from HIV-1 gp160, the development of effector and memory cells CD8 T cells was comparable to control mice. Furthermore, these memory cells responded rapidly and robustly to antigenic restimulation. Therefore, we conclude that full CD8 memory differentiation requires only a single MHC class Ia chain, ruling out a requirement for MHC class Ib molecules in this process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
authors.forename: Matthew A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Bevan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006183:H-2 Antigens / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D064532:Histocompatibility Antigen H-2D; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D014615:Vaccinia / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D006183:H-2 Antigens; D064532:Histocompatibility Antigen H-2D; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin