Functional specialization of memory Th cells revealed by expression of integrin CD49b.
Infection or immunization induces heterogeneous memory T cell subsets, but their origin and protective value against infection are unclear. In this study, we report the functional characterization of two memory Th subsets, defined by expression of integrin CD49b. Stable CD49b expression is induced in up to one-half of all memory Th cells. More importantly, the CD49b- and CD49b+ subsets display distinct helper activities, typified by the production of IL-10 and TNF-alpha, respectively. Although the inflammatory properties of the CD49b+ subset are protective against intracellular bacterial infection, they are associated with immunopathology in acute viral infection. Modulation of the CD49b-defined memory Th subsets may provide infection type-specific interventions, where either enhancement of the inflammatory response or reduction of immunopathology is essential.
Kassiotis
George
G
Division of Molecular Immunology, National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AA, United Kingdom.
Gray
David
D
Kiafard
Ziba
Z
Zwirner
Jörg
J
Stockinger
Brigitta
B
D000818:Animals; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000637:transplantation; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D019070:Cell Lineage / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000637:transplantation; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D039421:Integrin alpha2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008231:Lymphopenia / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008819:Mice, Nude; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000637:transplantation; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000637:transplantation
D016207:Cytokines; D039421:Integrin alpha2