Blimp-1 transcription factor is required for the differentiation of effector CD8(+) T cells and memory responses.
In response to viral infection, naive CD8(+) T cells proliferate and differentiate into cytotoxic and cytokine-producing effector cells. Here we showed that the transcription factor Blimp-1, a crucial regulator of plasma cell differentiation, was required for CD8(+) T cells to differentiate into functional killer T cells in response to influenza virus. Blimp-1 was not essential for the generation of memory T cells but was crucial for their efficient recall response upon reinfection. Antigen-specific Blimp-1-deficient CD8(+) T cells failed to appropriately regulate the transcriptional program essential for killer T cell responses and showed impaired migration to the site of infection. This study identifies Blimp-1 as a master regulator of the terminal differentiation of CD8(+) effector T cells and uncovers a conservation of the pathways that regulate the terminal differentiation of T and B cells.
Kallies
Axel
A
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia. kallies@wehi.edu.au
Xin
Annie
A
Belz
Gabrielle T
GT
Nutt
Stephen L
SL
D000818:Animals; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D008168:Lung / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000276:immunology; D009976:Orthomyxoviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D000074462:Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
C513258:Prdm1 protein, mouse; D014157:Transcription Factors; D000074462:Positive Regulatory Domain I-Binding Factor 1