Memory-like CD8 T-cells sustain the immune response to chronic viral infections.

We have discovered a small subpopulation of virus-specific CD8 T-cells that sustains the T-cell response in chronic infections. These cells are defined by - and depend on - the expression of the transcription factor Tcf1 (T cell factor 1) and show key characteristics of central memory cells while lacking an effector signature. Unlike conventional memory cells, Tcf1+ T-cells display hallmarks of an “exhausted” phenotype, including the expression of certain inhibitory receptors. Overall design: Naive Tcf1-GFP+ P14 cells (Naive) were transferred into Vb5 recipient mice (CD45.1) prior to infection with LCMV clone 13 (c13). Tcf1-GFP+ P14 cells (chronic Tcf1+) and Tcf1-GFP- P14 cells (chronic Tcf1-) were flow sorted on day 28 post infection. Naive Tcf1-GFP+ P14 cells (Naive) were also transferred into C57BL/6 hosts (CD45.1.2) prior to infection with LCMV Armstrong (Arm). Tcf1-GFP+ P14 cells (memory Tcf1+) and Tcf1-GFP- P14 cells (memory Tcf1-) were flow sorted on day 28 post infection. Total RNA was extracted, cDNA libraries prepared and sequencing was performed using Illumina HiSeq 2500 technology.

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Utzschneider DT, Charmoy M, Chennupati V, Pousse L, Ferreira DP, Calderon-Copete S, Danilo M, Alfei F, Hofmann M, Wieland D, Pradervand S, Thimme R, Zehn D, Held W