Sensing and alarm function of resident memory CD8+ T cells

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Abstract
Tissue-resident effector memory T cells respond rapidly after reencountering antigen. Masopust and colleagues show that memory CD8+ T cells also induce the release of chemokines, then recruit more memory cells to the site of infection. CD8+ T cells eliminate intracellular infections through two contact-dependent effector functions: cytolysis and secretion of antiviral cytokines. Here we identify the following additional function for memory CD8+ T cells that persist at front-line sites of microbial exposure: to serve as local sensors of previously encountered antigens that precipitate innate-like alarm signals and draw circulating memory CD8+ T cells into the tissue. When memory CD8+ T cells residing in the female mouse reproductive tract encountered cognate antigen, they expressed interferon-γ (IFN-γ), potentiated robust local expression of inflammatory chemokines and induced rapid recruitment of circulating memory CD8+ T cells. Anamnestic responses in front-line tissues are thus an integrated collaboration between front-line and circulating populations of memory CD8+ T cells, and vaccines should establish both populations to maximize rapid responses.