title: CD8(+)CD122(+) T-Cells: A Newly Emerging Regulator with Central Memory Cell Phenotypes.
abstract: CD8(+)CD122(+) T-cells have been traditionally described as antigen-specific memory T-cells that respond to previously encountered antigens more quickly and vigorously than their naïve counterparts. However, mounting evidence has demonstrated that murine CD8(+)CD122(+) T-cells exhibit a central memory phenotype (CD44(high)CD62L(high)), regulate T cell homeostasis, and act as regulatory T-cells (Treg) by suppressing both autoimmune and alloimmune responses. Importantly, naturally occurring murine CD8(+)CD122(+) Tregs are more potent in immunosuppression than their CD4(+)CD25(+) counterparts. They appear to be acting in an antigen-non-specific manner. Human CD8(+)CXCR3(+) T-cells are the equivalent of murine CD8(+)CD122(+) Tregs and also exhibit central memory phenotypes. In this mini-review article, we will summarize recent progresses in their phenotypes, homeostatic expansion, antigen-specificity, roles in the suppression of alloimmune and autoimmune responses, and the mechanisms underlying their inhibitory function.
authors.affiliation: Section of Immunology, Division of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine , Guangzhou , China.
authors.forename: Junfeng
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Section of Immunology, Division of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine , Guangzhou , China.
authors.forename: Dacan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) , Galveston, TX , USA.
authors.forename: Golay D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Nie
authors.affiliation: Section of Immunology, Division of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine , Guangzhou , China.
authors.forename: Zhenhua
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Dai
keywords: CD8+CD122+ T-cells; allograft survival; immunoregulation; memory T-cells; regulatory T-cells; transplant tolerance