Memory T-lymphocyte survival does not require T-cell receptor expression.
The factors controlling memory T (Tm)-cell longevity are still poorly defined, and their identification is pivotal to the design of a vaccine conferring long-term protection against infection. Tm cells have the ability to survive in the absence of the T-cell receptor (TCR)-MHC interaction. This does not exclude a possible role for TCR-intrinsic ligand-independent constitutive signaling in Tm-cell homeostasis. Using a unique TCR tetracycline-inducible expression system, we show that the ablation of TCR expression, which abrogates any possible signaling via the TCR, did not influence the survival and self-renewal of antigen-specific CD8(+) Tm cells even when they have to compete with endogenous T cells for survival factors. Moreover, CD8(+) Tm-cell functionality was not altered even on prolonged maintenance in the absence of TCR-MHC interactions. Furthermore, our results show that a subset of CD4(+) Tm cells can survive in the absence of TCR expression in nonlymphopenic hosts.
Leignadier
Julie
J
Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H1T 2M4.
Hardy
Marie-Pierre
MP
Cloutier
Marilyne
M
Rooney
Julie
J
Labrecque
Nathalie
N
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000276:immunology; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D051379:Mice; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000637:transplantation; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000494:pharmacology
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D013752:Tetracycline