Contracting the 'mus cells'--does down-sizing suit us for diving into the memory pool?

Dynamics of The Γδtcr Repertoires During The Dedifferentiation Process and Pilot Implications for Immunotherapy of Thyroid Cancer

γδ T cells are evolutionarily conserved T lymphocytes that manifest unique antitumor efficacy independent of tumor mutation burden (TMB) and conventional human leukocyte antigen (HLA) recognition. However, the dynamic changes in their T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire during cancer progression and treatment courses remain unclear. Here, a comprehensive characterization of γδTCR repertoires are performed in thyroid cancers with divergent differentiation states through cross-sectional studies. The findings revealed a significant correlation between the differentiation states and TCR repertoire diversity. Notably, highly expanded clones are prominently enriched in γδ T cell compartment of dedifferentiated patients. Moreover, by longitudinal investigations of the γδ T cell response to various antitumor therapies, it is found that the emergence and expansion of the Vδ2neg subset may be potentially associated with favorable clinical outcomes after post-radiotherapeutic immunotherapy. These findings are further validated at single-cell resolution in both advanced thyroid cancer patients and a murine model, underlining the importance of further investigations into the role of γδTCR in cancer immunity and therapeutic strategies.

Subset-specific and temporal control of effector and memory CD4+ T cell survival

Following their proliferative expansion and differentiation into effector cells like Th1, Tfh, and T central memory precursors (Tcmp), most effector CD4+ T cells die, while some survive and become memory cells. Here, we explored how Bcl-2 family members controlled the survival of CD4+ T cells during distinct phases of mouse acute LCMV infection. During expansion, we found that Th1 cells dominated the response, downregulated expression of Bcl-2, and did not require Bcl-2 for survival. Instead, they relied on the anti-apoptotic protein, A1 for survival. Similarly, Th17 cells in an EAE model also depended on A1 for survival. However, after the peak of the response, CD4+ effector T cells required Bcl-2 to counteract Bim to aid their transition into memory. This Bcl-2 dependence persisted in established memory CD4+ T cells. Combined, these data show a temporal switch in Bcl-2 family-mediated survival of CD4+ T cells over the course of an immune response. This knowledge can help improve T cell survival to boost immunity and conversely, target pathogenic T cells.

Cancer Cell Metabolism in Hypoxia: Role of HIF-1 as Key Regulator and Therapeutic Target

In order to meet the high energy demand, a metabolic reprogramming occurs in cancer cells. Its role is crucial in promoting tumor survival. Among the substrates in demand, oxygen is fundamental for bioenergetics. Nevertheless, tumor microenvironment is frequently characterized by low-oxygen conditions. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a pivotal modulator of the metabolic reprogramming which takes place in hypoxic cancer cells. In the hub of cellular bioenergetics, mitochondria are key players in regulating cellular energy. Therefore, a close crosstalk between mitochondria and HIF-1 underlies the metabolic and functional changes of cancer cells. Noteworthy, HIF-1 represents a promising target for novel cancer therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the interplay between HIF-1 and energetic metabolism, with a focus on mitochondria, of hypoxic cancer cells.

T-cell receptor signal strength and epigenetic control of Bim predict memory CD8+ T-cell fate

Most effector CD8+ T cells die, while some persist and become either "effector" (TEM) or "central" (TCM) memory T cells. Paradoxically, effector CD8+ T cells with greater memory potential have higher levels of the pro-apoptotic molecule Bim. Here, we report, using a novel Bim-mCherry knock-in mouse, that cells with high levels of Bim preferentially develop into TCM cells. Bim levels remained stable and were regulated by DNA methylation at the Bim promoter. Notably, high levels of Bcl-2 were required for Bimhi cells to survive. Using Nur77-GFP mice as an indicator of TCR signal strength, Nur77 levels correlated with Bim expression and Nur77hi cells also selectively developed into TCM cells. Altogether, these data show that Bim levels and TCR signal strength are predictive of TEM- vs. TCM-cell fate. Further, given the many other biologic functions of Bim, these mice will have broad utility beyond CD8+ T-cell fate.

T Cells and Regulated Cell Death: Kill or Be Killed

Cell death plays two major complementary roles in T cell biology: mediating the removal of cells that are targeted by T cells and the removal of T cells themselves. T cells serve as major actors in the adaptive immune response and function by selectively killing cells which are infected or dysfunctional. This feature is highly involved during homeostatic maintenance, and is relied upon and modulated in the context of cancer immunotherapy. The vital recognition and elimination of both autoreactive T cells and cells which are unable to recognize threats is a highly selective and regulated process. Moreover, detection of potential threats will result in the activation and expansion of T cells, which on resolution of the immune response will need to be eliminated. The culling of these T cells can be executed via a multitude of cell death pathways which are used in context-specific manners. Failure of these processes may result in an accumulation of misdirected or dysfunctional T cells, leading to complications such as autoimmunity or cancer. This review will focus on the role of cell death regulation in the maintenance of T cell homeostasis, as well as T cell-mediated elimination of infected or dysfunctional cells, and will summarize and discuss the current knowledge of the cellular mechanisms which are implicated in these processes.

Memory responses of innate lymphocytes and parallels with T cells

Natural killer (NK) cells are classified as innate immune cells, given their ability to rapidly respond and kill transformed or virally infected cells without prior sensitization. Recently, accumulating evidence suggests that NK cells also exhibit many characteristics similar to cells of the adaptive immune system. Analogous to T cells, NK cells acquire self-tolerance during development, express antigen-specific receptors, undergo clonal-like expansion, and can become long-lived, self-renewing memory cells with potent effector function providing potent protection against reappearing pathogens. In this review, we discuss the requirements for memory NK cell generation and highlight the similarities with the formation of memory T cells.

Dying to protect: cell death and the control of T-cell homeostasis

T cells play a critical role in immune responses as they specifically recognize peptide/MHC complexes with their T-cell receptors and initiate adaptive immune responses. While T cells are critical for performing appropriate effector functions and maintaining immune memory, they also can cause autoimmunity or neoplasia if misdirected or dysregulated. Thus, T cells must be tightly regulated from their development onward. Maintenance of appropriate T-cell homeostasis is essential to promote protective immunity and limit autoimmunity and neoplasia. This review will focus on the role of cell death in maintenance of T-cell homeostasis and outline novel therapeutic strategies tailored to manipulate cell death to limit T-cell survival (eg, autoimmunity and transplantation) or enhance T-cell survival (eg, vaccination and immune deficiency).

Effect of aging on sputum inflammation and asthma control

BACKGROUND

Aged asthmatic patients experience increased morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of the aging effect on airway inflammation and asthma control is limited.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare airway inflammation and its relationship to asthma control in aged versus younger patients and determine whether differences are asthma specific or caused by "inflamm-aging."

METHODS

We performed a prospective study of aged (>60 years) and younger (21-40 years) inner-city patients with asthma. After a run-in period to control for inhaled corticosteroid use, induced sputum was collected. Age-matched nonasthmatic control subjects were included to measure age-related inflammatory changes.

RESULTS

Aged (mean age, 67.9 ± 5.1 years; n = 35) compared with younger (mean age, 30.8 ± 5.9 years; n = 37) asthmatic patients had significantly worse asthma control and lower FEV₁. Aged asthmatic patients had higher sputum neutrophil (30.5 × 10⁴/mL and 23.1%) and eosinophil (7.0 × 10⁴/mL and 3.8%) numbers and percentages compared with younger patients (neutrophils, 13.0 × 10⁴/mL [P < .01] and 6.9% [P < .01]; eosinophils, 2.0 × 10⁴/mL [P < .01] and 1.2% [P < .01]). Aged asthmatic patients had higher sputum IL-6 (P < .01) and IL-8 (P = .01) levels. No significant inflammatory differences between aged and younger control subjects were observed. In aged asthmatic patients increased sputum IL-6 and macrophage inflammatory protein 3α/CCL20 levels were significantly associated with decreased asthma control and increased sputum neutrophil numbers and IL-1β, IL-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein 3α/CCL20 levels were associated with hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The inflammatory patterns of aged versus younger asthmatic patients are associated with increased sputum neutrophil and eosinophil values and cytokine levels related to neutrophil recruitment. Differences in airway inflammation can contribute to diminished asthma control in the aged. Further understanding of asthma pathophysiology in aged patients is needed to improve management of this vulnerable population.

Regulatory T cells in kidney disease and transplantation

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to be important in maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing autoimmune disease, including autoimmune kidney disease. It is also likely that they play a role in limiting kidney transplant rejection and potentially in promoting transplant tolerance. Although other subsets of Tregs exist, the most potent and well-defined Tregs are the Foxp3 expressing CD4(+) Tregs derived from the thymus or generated peripherally. These CD4(+)Foxp3(+) Tregs limit autoimmune renal disease in animal models, especially chronic kidney disease, and kidney transplantation. Furthermore, other subsets of Tregs, including CD8 Tregs, may play a role in immunosuppression in kidney disease. The development and protective mechanisms of Tregs in kidney disease and kidney transplantation involve multiple mechanisms of suppression. Here we review the development and function of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) Tregs. We discuss the specific application of Tregs as a therapeutic strategy to prevent kidney disease and to limit kidney transplant rejection and detail clinical trials in this area of transplantation.

Mcl-1 regulates effector and memory CD8 T-cell differentiation during acute viral infection

Mcl-1, an anti-apoptotic member of Bcl-2 family maintains cell viability during clonal expansion of CD8 T cells, but the cell intrinsic role of Mcl-1 in contraction of effectors or the number of memory CD8 T cells is unknown. Mcl-1 levels decline during the contraction phase but rebound to high levels in memory CD8 T cells. Therefore, by overexpressing Mcl-1 in CD8 T cells we asked whether limiting levels of Mcl-1 promote contraction of effectors and constrain CD8 T-cell memory. Mcl-1 overexpression failed to affect CD8 T-cell expansion, contraction or the magnitude of CD8 T-cell memory. Strikingly, high Mcl-1 levels enhanced mTOR phosphorylation and augmented the differentiation of terminal effector cells and effector memory CD8 T cells to the detriment of poly-cytokine-producing central memory CD8 T cells. Taken together, these findings provided unexpected insights into the role of Mcl-1 in the differentiation of effector and memory CD8 T cells.

BNIP3- and BNIP3L-Mediated Mitophagy Promotes the Generation of Natural Killer Cell Memory

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that possess traits of adaptive immunity, such as clonal expansion, contraction, and generation of long-lived "memory" cells, processes poorly understood at the molecular level. Here, we found that as proliferating NK cells accumulated dysfunctional mitochondria during viral infection, a protective mitophagy pathway was induced during the contraction phase to promote their survival in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent manner. Inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) or activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) during the contraction-to-memory phase transition of the antiviral response increased autophagic activity and enhanced memory NK cell numbers through an Atg3-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, we demonstrated a temporally regulated role for mitophagy-inducing proteins BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19-kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and BNIP3-like (BNIP3L) in the generation of robust NK cell memory. Thus, our study reveals the functional importance of mitophagy during the dynamic response of these cytolytic innate lymphocytes.

miR-148a is upregulated by Twist1 and T-bet and promotes Th1-cell survival by regulating the proapoptotic gene Bim

Repeatedly activated T helper 1 (Th1) cells present during chronic inflammation can efficiently adapt to the inflammatory milieu, for example, by expressing the transcription factor Twist1, which limits the immunopathology caused by Th1 cells. Here, we show that in repeatedly activated murine Th1 cells, Twist1 and T-bet induce expression of microRNA-148a (miR-148a). miR-148a regulates expression of the proapoptotic gene Bim, resulting in a decreased Bim/Bcl2 ratio. Inhibition of miR-148a by antagomirs in repeatedly activated Th1 cells increases the expression of Bim, leading to enhanced apoptosis. Knockdown of Bim expression by siRNA in miR-148a antagomir-treated cells restores viability of the Th1 cells, demonstrating that miR-148a controls survival by regulating Bim expression. Thus, Twist1 and T-bet not only control the differentiation and function of Th1 cells, but also their persistence in chronic inflammation.

Sweet Is the Memory of Past Troubles: NK Cells Remember

Natural killer (NK) cells are important in host defense against tumors and microbial pathogens. Recent studies indicate that NK cells share many features with the adaptive immune system, and like B cells and T cells, NK cells can acquire immunological memory. Here, we review evidence for NK cell memory and the molecules involved in the generation and maintenance of these self-renewing NK cells that provide enhanced protection of the host.

B7-H1 limits the entry of effector CD8(+) T cells to the memory pool by upregulating Bim

Protective T‑cell immunity against cancer and infections is dependent on the generation of a durable effector and memory T‑cell pool. Studies from cancer and chronic infections reveal that B7-H1 (PD-L1) engagement with its receptor PD-1 promotes apoptosis of effector T cells. It is not clear how B7-H1 regulates T‑cell apoptosis and the subsequent impact of B7-H1 on the generation of memory T cells. In immunized B7-H1-deficient mice, we detected an increased expansion of effector CD8⁺ T cells and a delayed T‑cell contraction followed by the emergence of a protective CD8⁺ T‑cell memory capable of completely rejecting tumor metastases in the lung. Intracellular staining revealed that antigen-primed CD8⁺ T cells in B7-H1-deficient mice express lower levels of the pro-apoptotic molecule Bim. The engagement of activated CD8⁺ T cells by a plate-bound B7-H1 fusion protein led to the upregulation of Bim and increased cell death. Assays based on blocking antibodies determined that both PD-1 and CD80 are involved in the B7-H1-mediated regulation of Bim in activated CD8⁺ T cells. Our results suggest that B7-H1 may negatively regulate CD8⁺ T‑cell memory by enhancing the depletion of effector CD8⁺ T cells through the upregulation of Bim. Our findings may provide a new strategy for targeting B7-H1 signaling in effector CD8⁺ T cells to achieve protective antitumor memory responses.

Systemic C3 modulates CD8+ T cell contraction after Listeria monocytogenes infection

Ag-specific CD8(+) T cell contraction (contraction), which occurs after the resolution of infection, is critical for homeostasis of the immune system. Although complement components regulate the primary CD8(+) T cell response, there is insufficient evidence supporting their role in regulating contraction and memory. In this study, we show that C3-deficient (C3(-/-)) mice exhibited significantly less CD8(+) T cell contraction than did wild-type mice postinfection with recombinant Listeria monocytogenes expressing OVA. Kinetic analyses also revealed decreased contraction in mice treated with cobra venom factor to deplete C3, which was consistent with the results in C3(-/-) recipient mice transplanted with bone marrow cells from the same donors as wild-type recipient mice. The phenotypes of memory cells generated by C3(-/-) mice were not altered compared with those of wild-type mice. Further, C5aR signaling downstream of C3 was not involved in the regulation of contraction. Moreover, the regulation of contraction by C3 may be independent of the duration of antigenic stimulation or the functional avidity of effector CD8(+) T cells. However, reduced contraction in C3(-/-) mice was accompanied by a decrease in the proportion of KLRG-1(hi) (killer-cell lectin-like receptor G1) CD127(lo) short-lived effector cells at the peak of the response and correlated with a reduction in the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-12 and IFN-γ, produced early postinfection. These results provide new insights into the role of systemic C3 in regulating contraction following intracellular bacterial infection and may help to develop vaccines that are more effective.

Proapoptotic Bim regulates antigen-specific NK cell contraction and the generation of the memory NK cell pool after cytomegalovirus infection

NK cells lacking proapoptotic factor Bim show impaired contraction phase after MCMV infection, leading to impaired memory cell maturation and a less effective responses to viral rechallenge.

Apoptosis is critical for the elimination of activated lymphocytes after viral infection. Proapoptotic factor Bim (Bcl2l11) controls T lymphocyte contraction and the formation of memory T cells after infection. Natural killer (NK) cells also undergo antigen-driven expansion to become long-lived memory cells after mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection; therefore, we examined the role of Bim in regulating the MCMV-driven memory NK cell pool. Despite responding similarly early after infection, Bcl2l11^−/− Ly49H⁺ NK cells show impaired contraction and significantly outnumber wild-type (WT) cells after the expansion phase. The inability to reduce the effector pool leads to a larger Bcl2l11^−/− NK memory subset, which displays a less mature phenotype (CD11b^lo, CD27⁺) and lower levels of NK cell memory-associated markers KLRG1 and Ly6C. Bcl2l11^−/− memory NK cells demonstrate a reduced response to m157-mediated stimulation and do not protect as effectively as WT memory NK cells in an MCMV challenge model. Thus, Bim-mediated apoptosis drives selective contraction of effector NK cells to generate a pool of mature, MCMV-specific memory cells.

Infiltrating Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells from spontaneously tolerant kidney allografts demonstrate donor-specific tolerance

Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) have an essential role in immune and allograft tolerance. However, in both kidney and liver transplantation in humans, FOXP3(+) Tregs have been associated with clinical rejection. Therefore, the role and function of graft infiltrating Tregs have been of great interest. In the studies outlined, we demonstrated that Foxp3(+) Tregs were expanded in tolerant kidney allografts and in draining lymph nodes in the DBA/2 (H-2(d) ) to C57BL/6 (H-2(b) ) mouse spontaneous kidney allograft tolerance model. Kidney allograft tolerance was abrogated after deletion of Foxp3(+) Tregs in DEpletion of REGulatory T cells (DEREG) mice. Kidney allograft infiltrating Foxp3(+) Tregs (K-Tregs) expressed elevated levels of TGF-β, IL-10, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), the transcriptional repressor B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) and chemokine receptor 3 (Cxcr3). These K-Tregs had the capacity to transfer dominant tolerance and demonstrate donor alloantigen-specific tolerance to skin allografts. This study demonstrated the crucial role, potency and specificity of graft infiltrating Foxp3(+) Tregs in the maintenance of spontaneously induced kidney allograft tolerance.

Mcl-1 antagonizes Bax/Bak to promote effector CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses

Members of the Bcl-2 family have critical roles in regulating tissue homeostasis by modulating apoptosis. Anti-apoptotic molecules physically interact and restrain pro-apoptotic family members preventing the induction of cell death. However, the specificity of the functional interactions between pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members remains unclear. The pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bcl-2 interacting mediator of death (Bim) has a critical role in promoting the death of activated, effector T cells following viral infections. Although Bcl-2 is an important Bim antagonist in effector T cells, and Bcl-xL is not required for effector T-cell survival, the roles of other anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1 (Mcl-1) in regulating effector T-cell responses in vivo. We found, at the peak of the response to lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, that Mcl-1 expression was increased in activated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Retroviral overexpression of Mcl-1-protected activated T cells from death, whereas deletion of Mcl-1 during the course of infection led to a massive loss of LCMV-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Interestingly, the co-deletion of Bim failed to prevent the loss of Mcl-1-deficient T cells. Furthermore, lck-driven overexpression of a Bcl-xL transgene only partially rescued Mcl-1-deficient effector T cells suggesting a lack of redundancy between the family members. In contrast, additional loss of Bax and Bak completely rescued Mcl-1-deficient effector T-cell number and function, without enhancing T-cell proliferation. These data suggest that Mcl-1 is critical for promoting effector T-cell responses, but does so by combating pro-apoptotic molecules beyond Bim.

PP2A-dependent control of transcriptionally active FOXO3a in CD8(+) central memory lymphocyte survival requires p47(phox)

Forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) transcription factor is regulated by complex post-translational modifications that allow for transcriptional control of various apoptosis factors including pro-apoptotic Bim. Although it has been shown that kinases phosphorylate FOXO3a in memory T cells, the role of protein phosphatases in the control of memory T lymphocyte FOXO3a function is less clear. Here, we report that FOXO3a is dephosphorylated (activated) by a protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)-dependent mechanism in CD8⁺ memory lymphocytes (Tm) during Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) infection, which allows for enhanced Bim transcription in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase p47^phox-deficient (p47^phox−/−) Tm. Consequently, CD8⁺ Tm from Lm-infected p47^phox−/− mice express significantly higher levels of each pro-apoptotic Bim protein isoform. Furthermore, there was a profound reduction in the accumulation of CD8⁺ T central memory (Tcm) cells in infected p47^phox−/− spleens, and 65% p47^phox−/− mouse moribundity following secondary Lm reinfection compared with 25% in wild-type mice. Notably, blocking PP2A activity attenuated FOXO3 activation and Bim transcription in p47^phox−/− CD8⁺ memory lymphocytes. Our findings indicate a critical role for p47^phox in a dynamic interplay between PP2A and FOXO3a that regulates pro-apoptotic Bim transcription in CD8⁺ memory lymphocytes during infection.

Aging of the CD4 T Cell Compartment

Higher morbidity and mortality following infections, particularly influenza, is observed in the elderly population. Because of this, people over 65 years old are often targeted for preventive immunization. Many vaccines, however, are not as effective in generating protective antibodies in older individuals. CD4⁺ T cells, through their B cell helper functions, play a central role in the humoral response. Aging has deleterious effects on the immune system, and understanding how aging impairs CD4⁺ T cell functions is of critical importance to design new immunization and treatment strategies targeted to the elderly population. In this paper, we review some of the qualitative and quantitative changes in the CD4⁺ T cell compartment that arise with aging. We also summarize the age-related intrinsic defects that impact naïve, memory and regulatory CD4⁺ T cell functions.

Homeostasis and function of regulatory T cells in aging

A hallmark of aging is the progressive deterioration of immune function. Age-related immune suppression increases susceptibility to infectious diseases and cancer, significant causes of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. In particular, age-related T cell dysfunction is a major contributor to 'immune-senescence'. Recently, it has become clear that the frequency of regulatory T cells (Treg) significantly increases in aged mice and humans. As Treg control the intensity of T cell responses, their accrual probably contributes to age-related immune dysfunction. This review will focus on mechanisms underlying Treg homeostasis and function in aging.

Frequency of circulating regulatory T cells increases during chronic HIV infection and is largely controlled by highly active antiretroviral therapy

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) act by suppressing the activation and effector functions of innate and adaptive immune responses. HIV infection impacts Treg proportion and phenotype, although discrepant results have been reported depending on the patient population and the way Tregs were characterized. The effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on Treg frequency have not been thoroughly documented. We performed a detailed longitudinal analysis of Treg frequency and phenotype in 11 HIV-infected individuals enrolled in a single, prospective clinical trial, in which all patients underwent the same treatment protocol and were sampled at the same time points. Tregs were characterized for their expression of molecules associated with activation, cell cycle, apoptosis, or function, and compared to circulating Tregs from a group of age-matched healthy individuals.

Our results revealed increased proportions, but reduced absolute numbers of circulating CD3⁺CD4⁺FOXP3⁺ Tregs in chronically infected HIV-infected patients. Treg frequency was largely normalized by HAART. Importantly, we show that similar conclusions were drawn regardless of the combination of markers used to define Tregs. Our results also showed increased expression of cell cycle markers (Ki67 and cyclin B) in Tregs from untreated infected individuals, which were decreased by HAART. However, the Treg phenotype in untreated patients was not consistent with a higher level of generalized activation, as they expressed very low levels of CD69, slightly elevated levels of HLA-DR and similar levels of GARP compared to Tregs from uninfected donors. Moreover, none of these markers was significantly changed by HAART. Treg expression of CTLA-4 and cytotoxic molecules was identical between patients and controls. The most striking difference in terms of functional molecules was the high expression of CD39 by Tregs in untreated patients, which HAART only partially controlled.

Response to self antigen imprints regulatory memory in tissues

Immune homeostasis in tissues is achieved through a delicate balance between pathogenic T-cell responses directed at tissue-specific antigens and the ability of the tissue to inhibit these responses. The mechanisms by which tissues and the immune system communicate to establish and maintain immune homeostasis are currently unknown. Clinical evidence suggests that chronic or repeated exposure to self antigen within tissues leads to an attenuation of pathological autoimmune responses, possibly as a means to mitigate inflammatory damage and preserve function. Many human organ-specific autoimmune diseases are characterized by the initial presentation of the disease being the most severe, with subsequent flares being of lesser severity and duration. In fact, these diseases often spontaneously resolve, despite persistent tissue autoantigen expression. In the practice of antigen-specific immunotherapy, allergens or self antigens are repeatedly injected in the skin, with a diminution of the inflammatory response occurring after each successive exposure. Although these findings indicate that tissues acquire the ability to attenuate autoimmune reactions upon repeated responses to antigens, the mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Here we show that upon expression of self antigen in a peripheral tissue, thymus-derived regulatory T cells (T(reg) cells) become activated, proliferate and differentiate into more potent suppressors, which mediate resolution of organ-specific autoimmunity in mice. After resolution of the inflammatory response, activated T(reg) cells are maintained in the target tissue and are primed to attenuate subsequent autoimmune reactions when antigen is re-expressed. Thus, T(reg) cells function to confer 'regulatory memory' to the target tissue. These findings provide a framework for understanding how T(reg) cells respond when exposed to self antigen in peripheral tissues and offer mechanistic insight into how tissues regulate autoimmunity.

CD4+ memory T cell survival

Memory CD4+ T cells specific for a given antigen are generated during the primary response from the effector lymphoblast progeny of naïve precursors. How memory CD4+ T cells differentiate from the effector population is not understood but new tools to assess transcription factor and cytokine expression are allowing for a more careful assessment of this process. Here we review the factors that allow some effector CD4+ T cells to survive the contraction phase of the primary response and become memory cells, and consider whether parallels can be drawn between T and B cells.

Bcl-2 allows effector and memory CD8+ T cells to tolerate higher expression of Bim

As acute infections resolve, most effector CD8(+) T cells die, whereas some persist and become memory T cells. Recent work showed that subsets of effector CD8(+) T cells, identified by reciprocal expression of killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1) and CD127, have different lifespans. Similar to previous reports, we found that effector CD8(+) T cells reported to have a longer lifespan (i.e., KLRG1(low)CD127(high)) have increased levels of Bcl-2 compared with their shorter-lived KLRG1(high)CD127(low) counterparts. Surprisingly, we found that these effector KLRG1(low)CD127(high) CD8(+) T cells also had increased levels of Bim compared with KLRG1(high)CD127(low) cells. Similar effects were observed in memory cells, in which CD8(+) central memory T cells expressed higher levels of Bim and Bcl-2 than did CD8(+) effector memory T cells. Using both pharmacologic and genetic approaches, we found that survival of both subsets of effector and memory CD8(+) T cells required Bcl-2 to combat the proapoptotic activity of Bim. Interestingly, inhibition or absence of Bcl-2 led to significantly decreased expression of Bim in surviving effector and memory T cells. In addition, manipulation of Bcl-2 levels by IL-7 or IL-15 also affected expression of Bim in effector CD8(+) T cells. Finally, we found that Bim levels were significantly increased in effector CD8(+) T cells lacking Bax and Bak. Together, these data indicate that cells having the highest levels of Bim are selected against during contraction of the response and that Bcl-2 determines the level of Bim that effector and memory T cells can tolerate.