Developmentally distinct CD4<sup>+</sup> T<sub>reg</sub> lineages shape the CD8<sup>+</sup> T cell response to acute <i>Listeria</i> infection.

Dolina, Joseph S; Lee, Joey; Moore, Eugene L; Hope, Jennifer L; Gracias, Donald T; Matsutani, Takaji; Chawla, Ashu; Greenbaum, Jason A et al. · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2022

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

SignificanceThe CD4<sup>+</sup> T<sub>reg</sub> response following acute <i>Listeria</i> infection is heterogeneous and deploys two distinct modes of suppression coinciding with initial pathogen exposure and resolution of infection. This bimodal suppression of CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells during priming and contraction is mediated by separate T<sub>reg</sub> lineages. These findings make a significant contribution to our understanding of the functional plasticity inherent within T<sub>reg</sub><sub>s</sub>, which allows these cells to serve as a sensitive and dynamic cellular rheostat for the immune system to prevent autoimmune pathology in the face of inflammation attendant to acute infection, enable expansion of the pathogen-specific response needed to control the infection, and reestablish immune homeostasis after the threat has been contained.

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