CD301b+ dendritic cells stimulate tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells to protect against genital HSV-2.

Shin, Haina; Kumamoto, Yosuke; Gopinath, Smita; Iwasaki, Akiko · Nat Commun · 2016

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Tissue-resident memory CD8+ T (CD8 T<sub>RM</sub>) cells are an essential component of protective immune responses at barrier tissues, including the female genital tract. However, the mechanisms that lead to the initiation of CD8 T<sub>RM</sub>-mediated protective immunity after viral infection are unclear. Here we report that CD8 T<sub>RM</sub> cells established by 'prime and pull' method confer protection against genital HSV-2 infection, and that IFN-γ produced by CD8 T<sub>RM</sub> cells is required for this protection. Furthermore, we find that CD8 T<sub>RM</sub>-cell restimulation depends on a population of CD301b<sup>+</sup> antigen-presenting cells (APC) in the lamina propria. Elimination of MHC class I on CD301b<sup>+</sup> dendritic cells abrogates protective immunity, suggesting the requirement for cognate antigen presentation to CD8 T<sub>RM</sub> cells by CD301b<sup>+</sup> dendritic cells. These results define the requirements for CD8 T<sub>RM</sub> cells in protection against genital HSV-2 infection and identify the population of APC that are responsible for activating these cells.

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