Linear differentiation of cytotoxic effectors into memory T lymphocytes.

Opferman, J T; Ober, B T; Ashton-Rickardt, P G · Science · 1999

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

A central question in immunology is the origin of long-lived T cell memory that confers protection against recurrent infection. The differentiation of naïve T cell receptor transgenic CD8+ cells into effector cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and memory CD8+ cells was studied. Memory CD8+ cells that were generated after strong antigenic stimulation were the progeny of cytotoxic effectors and retained antigen-specific cytolytic activity 10 weeks after adoptive transfer to antigen-free recipient mice. Thus, potential vaccines based on CTL memory will require the differentiation of naïve cells into post-effector memory T cells.

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