CD62L (L-selectin) down-regulation does not affect memory T cell distribution but failure to shed compromises anti-viral immunity.

Abstract

The down-regulation of CD62L that accompanies T lymphocyte activation is thought to redirect cells away from lymph nodes to sites of infection. In this study, CD62L was maintained on Ag-activated T cells and their distribution, and ability to clear pathogen from peripheral sites determined. CD62L was down-regulated on Ag-specific CD8 T cells in lungs of C57BL/6 mice but maintained in CD62L transgenic mice at day 8 after influenza infection. However, the numbers of influenza-specific CD8 T cells recruited were similar in CD62L transgenic and C57BL/6 mice. Memory CD8 T cell numbers in the lungs and noninvolved organs 100 days after primary infection were similar in CD62L transgenic and C57BL/6 mice, despite differing CD62L expression. Transgenic mice expressing wild-type CD62L cleared a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing an influenza-derived CD8 T cell epitope as efficiently as C57BL/6 mice. However, transgenic mice expressing a protease resistant mutant of CD62L showed significantly delayed viral clearance, despite normal CTL generation and the presence of CD107a and IFN-gamma expressing influenza-specific CD8 T cells. These results demonstrate that CD62L down-regulation is not required for CD8 memory cells to home to sites of infection. However, their ability to clear virus is significantly compromised if CD62L shedding is abrogated.

• Authors: Hannah Richards, M Paula Longhi, Kate Wright, Awen Gallimore, Ann Ager
• Journal: Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950) (J Immunol) Vol. 180 Issue 1 Pg. 198-206 (Jan 01 2008) ISSN: 0022-1767 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18097020 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte
• Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 1
• L-Selectin
• Peptide Hydrolases

Topics

• Animals
• Down-Regulation
• Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte (genetics, immunology)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunologic Memory
• Influenza, Human (immunology)
• L-Selectin (analysis, genetics, metabolism)
• Lung (immunology)
• Lymphocyte Activation
• Lysosomal-Associated Membrane Protein 1 (metabolism)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred C57BL
• Mice, Transgenic
• Ovary (immunology)
• Peptide Hydrolases (chemistry)
• T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic (immunology)
• Vaccinia virus (genetics)